Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side travel to the Weston Homes Stadium on Tuesday evening to take on Championship strugglers Peterborough United in the fifth-round of the FA Cup

Recently appointed manager Grant McCann will be in the dugout for Posh as he seeks his first win in charge of the club after being beaten by former club Hull City last Saturday. 

Team News

In his press conference on Monday afternoon, Guardiola confirmed he welcomes a largely full fit squad for the tie, with Zac Steffen the only notable absentee.

The Spanish boss confirmed: “He has a problem with his shoulder and as a goalkeeper it is difficult. He is still in the gym.”

Steffen has played in both of City’s previous FA Cup contests this season against Fulham and Swindon Town. 

One man who Guardiola did confirm will start however, is Ukrainian Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Zinchenko was notably emotional last Saturday at Goodison Park, due to the ongoing issues within his native country.  

The hosts are without club captain Oliver Norburn as he picked up yellow cards in rounds three and four. 

Dan Butler and Jack Taylor are ruled out with injuries, while striker Callum Morton is cup-tied after featuring in the FA Cup for Fleetwood in the earlier rounds. 

Predicted line-ups

Peterborough United: Benda; Knight, Edwards, Kent; Ward, Norburn, Grant, Coulson; Morton, Szmodics, Marriott

Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Ake, Zinchenko; De Bruyne, Fernandinho, Gundogan; Jesus, Palmer, Grealish

Ones to watch 

Sammie Szmodics

For Posh, it’s been a tough season in the Championship, however, Republic of Ireland international Szmodics has chipped in with three goals and one assist from midfield. 

If Peterborough are going to cause the reigning Premier League champions a problem, it’ll most likely be through the 26-year-old. 

Cole Palmer

19-year-old Palmer was exceptional in round-three of the FA Cup vs Swindon. 

With the Wythenshawe-born forward being given a number of opportunities this season off the bench, it won’t come as a surprise if Palmer is used as a substitute in Tuesday’s tie. 

Many around Manchester City feel the Englishman has a huge future ahead of him, with the pathway at the club clearer for younger players with the career of Phil Foden a prime example.

Previous meetings

Previously, the sides have only ever met once, way back in February 1981, the year the Cityzens were defeated by Tottenham Hotspur in the 100th FA Cup final. 

Coincidentally, the previous meeting between Posh and City was also in the fifth-round of the FA Cup, with City coming out 1-0 victors. 

Where to watch 

The game will be free to watch for all UK customers on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Kick-off is at 7:15pm. 

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