Man City vs Salford City: FA Cup Live Stream & TV Channels
The magic of the FA Cup is undeniable, often pitting footballing giants against valiant underdogs in contests filled with drama and the potential for historic upsets. This year, the spotlight shines brightly on a fascinating fourth-round clash as Premier League titans Manchester City host League Two hopefuls Salford City. For fans eager not to miss a single moment of this captivating encounter, the critical question is clear:
Man City Vs Salford City Where To Watch? This comprehensive guide provides all the details on live streams, TV channels, kick-off times, and what to expect from both sides.
The Stage is Set: Man City's Quadruple Dream Meets Salford's Giant-Killing Ambition
Manchester City enters this FA Cup tie as one of the most formidable forces in global football, with their sights firmly set on an unprecedented, historic quadruple. Under the astute guidance of Pep Guardiola, City's pursuit of silverware across all major competitions—the Premier League, Champions League, Carabao Cup (where they are already finalists), and the FA Cup—is well underway. Their current form speaks volumes, having secured victories in their last two Premier League outings and remaining unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions, boasting four wins and two draws. This relentless drive ensures there will be no room for complacency, even against lower-league opposition.
This isn't the first time these two Manchester-area clubs have met in the FA Cup. In a previous season, City delivered a resounding 8-0 defeat to their neighbours in the third round, followed by a dominant 10-1 win over Exeter City in the third round of this current FA Cup campaign. Such results underscore the monumental task facing Salford City at the Etihad Stadium.
Meanwhile, Salford City arrives with a blend of steely determination and the hope of creating one of the competition's greatest-ever giant-killings. Currently enjoying a solid season in League Two, the "Ammies" have shown resilience, despite a recent dip in league form with only one win in their last three outings (a notable victory away at Tranmere). Co-owned by the legendary 'Class of '92' including Gary Neville, Salford City carries a unique narrative. A victory over Manchester City would not only propel them into the FA Cup fifth round for the first time in their history but would also provide an immense morale boost, significantly elevate their club's profile, and etch their name into FA Cup folklore. The prospect of such a historic achievement makes them incredibly dangerous opponents for any top-flight side.
Man City Vs Salford City Where To Watch: Live Stream & TV Channels
For fans across the globe, especially those in the United States, securing access to this exciting FA Cup fourth-round clash is paramount. Here’s how you can tune in to all the action:
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Match Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026
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Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Kick-off Times:
Understanding the precise kick-off time is crucial, especially for international viewers:
- Greenwich Mean Time (GMT): 15:00
- Eastern Standard Time (EST): 10:00 AM
- Central Time (CT): 9:00 AM
- Mountain Time (MT): 8:00 AM
- Pacific Time (PT): 7:00 AM
Watching in the United States:
Good news for US-based supporters – catching this FA Cup encounter live is straightforward:
- TV Channel: Unfortunately, there will be no direct TV broadcast for this match in the U.S.
- Live Stream: All the FA Cup action, including this highly anticipated game, will be exclusively available for streaming on ESPN+.
To ensure you don't miss a minute of the Man City vs Salford City showdown, make sure your ESPN+ subscription is active well before kick-off. You can stream the match live on various devices, including smart TVs, computers, tablets, and smartphones. For a more detailed guide on accessing the stream, you can refer to our dedicated article:
Where to Watch Man City vs Salford City in the US: Stream Guide.
International Viewers:
For fans outside the United States, broadcasting rights vary by region. It's highly recommended to check your local sports broadcasting listings or consult the official FA Cup website for information on where to watch the match in your specific country. Major sports networks often hold the rights to FA Cup matches in their respective territories.
Team News & Key Players to Watch
Predicting Pep Guardiola's starting XI for an FA Cup clash against lower-league opposition is always a challenge. Given City's relentless schedule and their pursuit of multiple trophies, rotation is highly probable. However, even a rotated Manchester City side is brimming with world-class talent. Expect a blend of seasoned veterans looking for minutes and promising youngsters eager to impress. Key figures like
Rodri,
Bernardo Silva, or even
Erling Haaland could feature, though Guardiola might opt to rest some of his most vital assets. Regardless, the team will be engineered to dominate possession, press high, and exploit any defensive weaknesses.
For Salford City, this is their cup final, and manager Neil Wood will undoubtedly field his strongest available side. Their strategy will likely hinge on disciplined defending, frustrating City's intricate passing game, and looking to exploit counter-attacking opportunities. Players like their leading goalscorer or experienced defenders will need to have the game of their lives. Set pieces could also be a crucial avenue for Salford, offering a rare chance to threaten the City goal. Their collective spirit and unwavering commitment will be their greatest assets against such formidable opponents.
Match Prediction & Expert Insights
On paper, this match appears to be a foregone conclusion. Manchester City's superior squad depth, individual quality, and home advantage at the Etihad Stadium make them overwhelming favourites. Their history in this fixture, including the 8-0 thrashing, serves as a stark reminder of the gulf in class. Pep Guardiola will ensure his team approaches the game with the utmost professionalism, aiming for an early goal to settle nerves and avoid any potential upset.
However, the FA Cup has a storied tradition of upsets, and Salford City arrives with nothing to lose and everything to gain. Their best hope lies in maintaining a rigid defensive structure, suffocating City's attacking flow in central areas, and hoping for a moment of magic on the break or from a set piece. While a Salford victory would be one of the biggest shocks in recent FA Cup memory, their determination and the sheer magnitude of the occasion could inspire a resilient performance.
Predicted Outcome: While Salford City will put up a brave fight, Manchester City's quality and depth are likely to shine through. Expect City to control possession and eventually break down Salford's resistance, securing their passage to the fifth round. A comfortable win for City, perhaps 3-0 or 4-0, seems a plausible scoreline, though Salford will aim to make it as difficult as possible.
This match isn't just about the score; it's about the narrative. Can Manchester City continue their relentless march towards history, or can Salford City defy the odds and etch their name into FA Cup folklore? For a deeper dive into the contrasting ambitions of both clubs, check out our analysis:
Man City vs Salford City: Quadruple Quest vs Historic Upset Bid.
In conclusion, the FA Cup fourth-round tie between Manchester City and Salford City promises to be an intriguing encounter, blending the glamour of elite football with the gritty determination of a lower-league challenger. While City are clear favourites, the magic of the cup means anything is possible. Ensure you know
Man City Vs Salford City Where To Watch by marking your calendars for February 14, 2026, and tuning into ESPN+ in the US, to witness whether City continues its quest for silverware or if Salford can author a chapter of historic upset.