The third phase of the competition already features Premier League clubs
Manchester City opens this Friday, January 7, the defense of the FA Cup title and a marathon of 32 matches scheduled until Monday for the third phase of the tournament. It’s where the Premier League times begin to participate in the dispute. The champion of three of the last four editions of the first club competition to be played in football history, will face little Swindon, from the Fourth Division. The ball rolls at 5 pm (GMT), at County Ground.
Citizens don’t need Pep Guardiola, who tested positive for Covid-19, plus Phil Foden and Zinchenko also already in isolation. Thus, Nathan Ake could appear at left-back, while Egan-Riley and Luke Mbete compete for a spot in defense. Riyad Mahrez, who was called up for the Algerian national team defender at the Africa Cup, will also be out.
On the other hand, Swindon Town will not have goalkeeper Joe Wollacott, called up for the Ghana National Team to compete in the Nations Cup. Lewis Ward will be the replacement.
The FA Cup is far from being Swindon’s priority. Time has real chances to fight for access to League One, the Third Division of the Premier League. After going through a four-round win-win period, they overcame Northampton with a 5-2 rout, remaining in the playoff zone, earning the fourth spot available to move up. However, they are only two points behind Sutton, third in League Two and last in the direct access block.
The club is currently fifth on the leaderboard. He played in 22 of the 46 matches scheduled for the 2021/2022 season. He scored 34 goals, an average of 1.55 goals per match. The defense was leaked on 26 occasions, with an average of 1.18 per match.
