Covid-hit Manchester City will be looking to avoid a huge FA Cup third round upset when they face League Two side Swindon Town at the County Ground this evening (Friday).
City, who last faced the Robins way back in 2002, will be looking to extend their winning run in all competitions to seven matches, despite a degree of uncertainty surrounding their team, given the current Covid-19 outbreak that's swept through the club.
City made a winning start to the New Year on New Year's Day, recording a last-gasp 2-1 win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium to tighten their grip on top spot in the Premier League, thanks to a late winner from Rodri.
Whether or not City had fallen victim to a Covid-19 outbreak, manager Pep Guardiola — who has tested positive for the virus himself — was always likely to ring the changes, with his side strong favourites to get the job done.
Although City are overwhelming favourites to progress to the fourth round, Swindon — who are currently chasing automatic promotion in League Two — will fancy their chances of scooping a famous scalp.
But how do the pundits think City will get on against the League Two outfit?
Mark Lawrenson - BBC Sport
"Swindon have had a turbulent time off the pitch of late so it is great for them to have Premier League leaders Manchester City come to town," Lawrenson told BBC Sport.
"It will be a fantastic occasion at the County Ground, which is a 15,000 sell-out, but the Robins are much better on the road than they are at home at the moment.
"Pep Guardiola's side survived a scare against another League Two side just down the road in Cheltenham in last year's fourth round, but I don't think this tie will be as close.
"Swindon's style is a lot less route-one than Cheltenham's and I can't see there being a culture shock for City, who should be fine even without Guardiola present after he tested positive for Covid-19 this week."
Prediction: Swindon Town 0-3 City.
Michael Owen - BetVictor
"This looks like a complete mismatch," Owen told BetVictor. "City are unstoppable in the cups.
"Pep will rotate a few players, but Man City’s squad is exceptional, so that won’t be an issue."
Prediction: Swindon Town 0-4 City.
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