Manchester City vs Plymouth predictions: Expect Premier League giants to dominate
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- Six of City’s last seven home games have generated at least four goals
- Plymouth have won just one of their last 21 away fixtures
- Recommended bet: Over 3.5 goals
Plymouth advanced to the last 16 of the FA Cup with a stunning 1-0 victory at home to Liverpool and have an opportunity for another giant-killing when taking on Manchester City at the Etihad.
It has been a tough season for the Devonians, who have been in the Championship relegation zone since early December and they remain at risk of losing their second tier status.
But they have excelled in the FA Cup, winning 1-0 away to Brentford and pulling off the same result at home against a second string Liverpool, who paid the price for resting almost all of their big-hitters.
However, an even tougher task awaits against City on Saturday, who are anxious to keep alive their last chance of winning major silverware.
Team news
Oscar Bobb (match fitness) could come into contention but Rodri (knee), John Stones (thigh) and Manuel Akanji (groin) remain unavailable for the hosts.
Changes will be considered with Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, Jack Grealish, James McAtee, Phil Foden, Nathan Ake, Rico Lewis and Kevin De Bruyne among the players pushing for recalls for the starting XI.
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Ryan Hardie (back) missed the 1-1 draw at home to Cardiff and will need to be assessed for Plymouth. Brendan Galloway (leg) Joe Edwards (hamstring) are absent but Muhamed Tijani is pushing for a starting berth after a scoring substitute appearance last weekend.
The stats
Two of Manchester City’s last three home wins have been by a 3-1 scoreline.
Six of City’s last nine home games have featured goals for both teams.
City have kept just two clean sheets in their last 10 matches.
Plymouth have lost 12 of their last 17 away fixtures.
Argyle have scored in six of their last seven matches.
Prediction
Manchester City are going through a difficult season but they are fourth in the Premier League and can maintain their FA Cup challenge with a high-scoring win at home to Championship strugglers Plymouth.
Pep Guardiola continues to drive standards and was delighted to see his team register a 1-0 victory at Tottenham on Wednesday.
City had to weather a second half storm in north London but they should be in cruise control against Argyle, who are unlikely to claim a third Premier League scalp and advance to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2007.
The second tier outfit were worthy 1-0 winners against Brentford and Liverpool, who both took too many liberties with their team selections on the day.
But they will be up against a focused and experienced City side and may struggle to avoid a chastening defeat.
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