Today, January 10, 2026, Manchester City host Exeter City in the Emirates FA Cup Third Round at the Etihad Stadium. This marks the first-ever competitive meeting between the two sides, with Pep Guardiola’s Premier League giants facing off against a spirited League One outfit from Devon. Kick-off is at 15:00 GMT (10:00 AM ET / 7:00 AM PT), and the match is part of the 2025-26 FA Cup campaign.
Current Score (as of latest updates): Manchester City 2-0 Exeter City
- Goals: Max Alleyne (12′) and Rodri (24′) for Man City.
Rodri’s stunning strike from the edge of the box has put City firmly in control early on.
This is a classic David vs Goliath tie, with City looking to secure their first win of 2026 after three straight Premier League draws, while Exeter aim for a famous upset. Nearly 7,800 Exeter fans have traveled to make the away end sold out, creating a lively atmosphere!
Match Details
- Competition: Emirates FA Cup Third Round
- Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
- Date & Time: Saturday, January 10, 2026 – 15:00 GMT
- Referee: Adam Herczeg
- First Competitive Meeting: Yes (previous friendlies in 1991 and 1996 – Exeter won one, City the other)
City enter as heavy favorites, having won their last 19 FA Cup ties against lower-division teams by an aggregate 72-10. Exeter, managed by Gary Caldwell (who was part of Wigan’s famous 2013 FA Cup final win over City), come in on a strong run: unbeaten in three League One games and clean sheets in their FA Cup path (2-0 vs Halifax, 4-0 vs Wycombe).
Team News & Lineups
Manchester City (4-1-4-1):
Trafford; Lewis, Khusanov, Alleyne, Aké; Rodri (C); Reijnders, McAidoo, Cherki, Semenyo; Haaland.
Key Notes: Debuts for Antoine Semenyo (£65m from Bournemouth) and academy star Ryan McAidoo (from Chelsea). Pep Guardiola watches from the stands due to a one-match ban. Defensive injuries force recalls like Max Alleyne.
Exeter City (3-4-2-1):
Whitworth; Turns, Fitzwater, Brierley; Wareham, Aitchison, Cole, Niskanen; Woodhouse, Doyle-Hayes; Oakes.
Subs include options like Magennis. Near-full strength squad for the Grecians.
How to Watch: TV Channel & Live Stream
In the UK:
Due to the traditional Saturday 3pm blackout rule, the match is not live on TV (no BBC, ITV, TNT Sports, etc.).
- Follow live text updates and key moments on mancity.com, the official Man City app, or @ManCity on X.
- Audio commentary: BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, BBC Radio Manchester, BBC Radio Devon.
- Highlights: BBC’s Match of the Day (Saturday night) or club YouTube channels.
In the USA:
- Live on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes (stream or TV).
- Kick-off: 10:00 AM ET.
International Viewers: Check livesoccertv.com for your local broadcasters (e.g., Stan Sport in Australia). Many regions have streaming options via ESPN or local rights holders.
Key Storylines & Predictions
- City’s Form: Seeking momentum before the Manchester derby and Carabao Cup semi vs Newcastle.
- Exeter’s Dream: A potential giant-killing like their 0-0 draw vs Man Utd in 2005 (lost replay).
- Debut Watch: Semenyo and McAidoo spotlighted.
- Prediction: Manchester City 4-0 Exeter City (comfortable win, but respect to the Grecians’ effort).
The FA Cup magic is alive – will Exeter cause a shock, or will City cruise through? Follow the action, and check back for full-time updates!
What do you think – upset on the cards? Drop your predictions below!
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