The non-stop fixture congestion rolls on, as we just never have a mid-week that is empty this season. Or so it feels. Having a mid-season World Cup has created chaos with the domestic league scheduling, as we try to shove all these matches in there like we’re stuffing a sausage.
Manchester City has progressed through to the fifth round of the FA Cup, where they’ll pay Bristol City a visit. Let’s preview!
Manchester City at Bristol City FYIs
Kickoff: Tues Feb 28, 8pm, Ashton Gate
Competition: FA Cup 5th Round/Round of 16
Manchester City Starting XI Prediction: go here
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
Fun Fact: this is the first ever meeting between the two sides in the FA Cup
Stat Pack: Bristol have reached this round 14 times, and have lost 13 of those 14 times
Team News for Both Sides
Kevin de Bruyne missed the Champions League draw with RB Leipzig last week and while he did make the match day squad for the rout over Bournemouth, he did not feature. According to manager Pep Guardiola, De Bruyne has “a little bit of illness,” but he will still be fit to play here.
Most likely, he won’t be risked for this match.
Elsewhere defender Aymeric Laporte, who was also absent in the weekend winner, faces a last minute fitness assessment here.
Switching over to Bristol City, defender Rob Atkinson adds his name to the list of players rules out due to injury. It includes: Kal Naismith, Kane Wilson and Tommy Conway.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now. Follow the website on Twitter and Instagram.