Manchester City vs Huddersfield: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

The defending champions to host the Terriers in the FA Cup Third Round

Manchester City had a great 2023 winning several trophies. City’s last fixture was in the Premier League against Sheffield United which they won 2-0. After winning last season’s FA Cup title, they will be returning to action this 2024 keeping in sight of their crown. In a FA Cup 3rd round tie, the Sky Blues will kickstart 2024 against EFL Championship outfit Huddersfield Town.

Darren Moore’s side is struggling to keep pace with the second tier of English football at the moment. Huddersfield last faced Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. The game wasn’t hotly contested as the Foxes thrashed the Terriers 4-1. Moore and Co are on an uphill battle in the Championship as they sit 21st out of 24 teams. Now they will be off to a trip to the Etihad Stadium against the defending champs of the FA Cup.

Kick-Off:

Sunday, 7 January 2024 at 2:00 PM UK (7:30 PM IST)

Location: Etihad Stadium

Form

Man City (in all competitions): W-W-W-W-D

Huddersfield (in all competitions): L-L-W-L-D

Players to Watch

Phil Foden (Man City)

The England international played as a centre-attacking midfielder last game against Sheffield. The game was won by City 2-0 and both goals were assisted by Phil Foden. Foden is expected to start in this third-round cup action and provide the attacking threat from his side.

Michal Helik (Huddersfield)

In the fearsome game against Leicester, Michal Helik was trying to perform greatly. The centre-back provided 25 accurate passes from the backline to his teammates after playing a full 90 minutes. And also took on the scoring work for his side in the 4-1 defeat which only served as a consolation.

Match Facts

• The hosts are on an unbeaten home run of 14 games
• The visitors have failed to beat City in the last 6 meetings
• The last time Huddersfield knocked out a defending champion was in 1960-61

Injury & Team News

Goalkeeper Zack Steffen has departed to join Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids permanently. Centre-back John Stones remains sidelined with an ankle injury. Jérémy Doku and Erling Haaland have participated in team training. Kevin De Bruyne was an unused sub last game after his return from injury. Chances are he might get several minutes alongside Doku and Haaland.

The visitors on the other hand have many players out injured. This includes the likes of Patrick Jones, Oliver Turton, Matthew Pearson, Kian Harratt, Josh Ruffels, Jonathan Hogg, Delano Burgzorg, Danny Ward and Chris Maxwell.

Head to Head

Total Matches – 6

Man City wins – 4

Huddersfield wins – 0

Draws – 2

Predicted Lineup

Manchester City predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Ortega (GK); Walker, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Lewis, Rodri; Silva, Foden, Grealish; Álvarez

Huddersfield predicted lineup (3-5-2):

Nicholls (GK); Lees, Helik, Nakayama; Kasumu, Wiles, Edmonds-Green, Rudoni, Headley; Thomas, Koroma

Match Prediction for Manchester City vs Huddersfield

Manchester City are a strong team while Huddersfield are struggling to even keep pace in the second tier. The last time, City lost to a Championship team at home in FA Cup was in 2015. The defending champions are likely to comfortably get past the third round as they have been doing since the 2012-13 season.

Prediction: Man City 3-0 Huddersfield

Telecast for Manchester City vs Huddersfield

India – Sony Sports

UK – BBC, ITV

US –  ESPN

Nigeria – Supersport

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