Plymouth Argyle’s Unlikely FA Cup Journey
Plymouth Argyle, commonly known as the Pilgrims, are on the cusp of a historic moment in their FA Cup journey. Despite languishing in 22nd place in the Championship, they have already made waves by defeating two Premier League giants—Brentford and Liverpool. Their underdog story has captured the hearts of many, and now they face an even greater challenge: a visit from Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. The odds are stacked against them, but the team’s spirited performances so far suggest that anything is possible.
The Liverpool Upset
Plymouth’s most notable victory came against Liverpool, a match that will be remembered for years to come. The pivotal moment was a 53rd-minute penalty converted by Ryan Hardie, which put the Pilgrims ahead. Despite Liverpool’s valiant efforts, they couldn’t find an equalizer. In the dying moments of the game, Liverpool’s young talents, under the leadership of Arne Slot, came close, with a shot that required a magnificent fingertip save from Plymouth goalkeeper Conor Hazard. This dramatic win has not only boosted Plymouth’s confidence but also added a layer of intrigue to their upcoming match against Manchester City.
Manchester City’s Turbulent FA Cup Campaign
Manchester City’s FA Cup campaign has had its fair share of twists and turns. In their round four tie against Leyton Orient, the game took an unexpected turn when Tottenham loanee Jamie Donley scored from the halfway line. The ball took an awkward deflection off Stefan Ortega’s back, catching the City defense off guard. However, Guardiola’s team managed to regroup and secure a win, showing their resilience and determination to progress in the competition.
City’s Struggles in the Premier League
City’s recent form in the Premier League is a far cry from their usual dominance. Currently sitting in fifth place and 20 points behind the league leaders, this is their worst performance since Guardiola took charge in 2016. The pressure is on for the team to secure silverware in the FA Cup, making this match against Plymouth a crucial one. Guardiola will be looking to field a strong lineup to avoid any further upsets, but with key players injured, he may have to rely on some youthful talent.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
For Manchester City, Erling Haaland is expected to be back in contention after recovering from a knee injury that sidelined him during the defeats to Real Madrid and Liverpool. However, John Stones and Manuel Akanji are likely to miss out due to their own injury woes. Guardiola has shown a willingness to give young players a chance, with 22-year-old James McAtee impressing in central midfield during the Leyton Orient match. The 19-year-old Nico O’Reilly may also start, giving Guardiola another glimpse at his promising academy prospects.
Plymouth Argyle, on the other hand, will be eager to maintain their giant-killing form. Their lineup is expected to feature goalkeeper Conor Hazard, who has been a rock in the cup runs, and a blend of experienced and emerging talents. The team’s spirit and determination, as displayed in their previous matches, will be crucial in facing the formidable City side.
The Match Details
The FA Cup fifth round clash between Manchester City and Plymouth Argyle is scheduled for Saturday, March 1, at Home Park in Plymouth. The match will be broadcast on ITV4 and can be streamed live on ITVX, with coverage starting at 5:00 PM and the kickoff at 5:45 PM. This provides a significant platform for both teams, with the underdog Pilgrims hoping to create another memorable moment and Manchester City looking to assert their dominance and stay in the hunt for a trophy.
Prediction and Odds
While the odds are heavily in Manchester City’s favor, with them priced at 1/20 to win, a draw is at 10/1, and Plymouth to win at 30/1, the Pilgrims have already shown they can rise to the occasion. However, with City’s heavyweights and the pressure to win, a convincing victory seems the most likely outcome. The predicted score is Manchester City 3-0 Plymouth Argyle. Nevertheless, football is full of surprises, and Plymouth’s thrilling run in the FA Cup has already proven that the unexpected can happen.
