It’s League One versus Premier League in the fourth round of the FA Cup as in-form Leyton Orient host struggling Manchester City hoping for a cup upset for the ages.
FA Cup
Our 3 predictions for Leyton Orient vs Manchester City
- 1st prediction: Manchester City to win
- 2nd prediction: Over 2.5 goals in the match
- 3rd prediction: Both teams to score
1st prediction for Leyton Orient vs Manchester City: Manchester City to win – 1/20
This seems like a pretty obvious prediction given the clear difference between the two sides, but it’s not as clear as it may appear at first. Orient are in fantastic form, having turned round their season after a poor start. Confidence is high in East London and they’ll come into this one hoping to upset a fragile Man City side. City’s form has been poor and they’ve reached nowhere near their previous levels this season, so many will see this as a potential banana skin. Their squad and riches should see them through though, and they will look to this game to build confidence and get their form back. Ultimately, you never know with the FA Cup; given the context, Orient will fancy their chances but with the squad Man City have got, you’ve got to fancy them as favourites for this one.
2nd prediction for Leyton Orient vs Manchester City: Over 2.5 goals in the game – 1/5
As with most games, City will likely score here despite their poor form. They may start a weaker side who will probably score themselves, but if they don’t Guardiola won’t hesitate to bring on the likes of Haaland and Foden. After all, this is a chance of silverware in a season where City are pretty much out of the running for the Premier League. With their injuries and vulnerabilities City will likely play a youthful and inexperienced side, especially in defence. Orient will look to exploit this and use their home advantage, as well as making use of their set piece quality and City’s weakness. This is very much a game where the pressure is off Orient and on City, and like most cup games will be pretty open. City may blow Orient away but Orient may put up a fight. Either way there will be goals.
3rd prediction for Leyton Orient vs Manchester City: Both teams to score – 23/20
This is another pretty bold prediction; you’d normally expect City to dominate and keep lower league opposition out like they did in their 8-0 demolition of Salford City, but things aren’t that simple at the moment. City are vulnerable at the back and Orient are absolutely flying; they will fancy themselves in this game as much as any other. Orient have lost once since November and have transformed their season, with this momentum you’d back them in any game to at least score, even when they are facing the Premier League holders. The O’s go into this one knowing they have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain; they will likely attack just as much as their opponents.
Best odds for Leyton Orient vs Manchester City
Bookmaker | Leyton Orient | Manchester City |
MyriadPlay | 16/1 | 1/20 |
Gentleman Jim | 25/1 | 1/14 |
Betarno | 18/1 | 7/100 |
Full preview of the game: last results and head to head
There is clearly a big gulf between these two teams in terms of league, reputation and financial power, but form makes this closer than many would have expected. Orient have been fantastic of late, while City have really struggled by their own lofty comparisons, which does level the playing field. Orient have lost just once since November and find themselves around the play-offs, while City are on a disappointing run and are trying for the Champions League instead of the title. Their last game was a 5-1 thrashing by rivals Arsenal so confidence will be low and a reaction wanted. Orient’s last game was a defeat, 1-0 to Stockport, though this was very much a one-off in their recent run. City would ordinarily be heavy favourites but the cup always has the potential for surprises, and Orient will fancy themselves.
Where to watch Leyton Orient vs Manchester City
This is a huge game in the FA Cup with the potential for a giant killing and as such has been picked for TV coverage on Saturday’s primetime spot. Here’s where you can watch it in person or on TV:
- Location: Gaughan Group Stadium, London, UK, E10 5NF
- Channel: BBC One
- Date and time: 12:15pm UK Time, Saturday 8th February 2025
Probable lineups for Leyton Orient vs Manchester City
The two sides enter this game in very different form and will look to this game as being key to their season’s fortunes. The away side will likely rotate, though it will be a strong side. Here’s how we think the sides will line up.
Leyton Orient
Line up: J Keeley, E Galbraith, O Beckles, B Cooper, J Currie, S Clare, D Pratley, D Markanday, J Donley, A Abdullai, C Kelman
Injuries/suspensions: S Howes (injured)
Coach: Richie Wellens
Manchester City
Line up: S Ortega, R Lewis, A Khusanov, J Simpson-Pusey, J Gvardiol, M Nunes, M Kovacic, J McAtee, Savinho, J Grealish, O Marmoush
Injuries/suspensions: Ederson, R Dias, N Ake, Rodri, J Doku, O Bobb (all injured)
Coach: Pep Guardiola