Manchester City vs Exeter City Prediction & Betting Tips - FA Cup
England - FA Cup
New customers only | Commercial content | 18+ age limit | T&Cs apply
by Sridhar Bhamidi | in FA Cup Predictions
Manchester City will hope to avoid any upset against third-division side Exeter when the teams meet on Saturday in the third round of the 2025-26 FA Cup competition. This match between the Blues and the Grecians in Manchester comes with our prediction of Exeter +4 European Handicap.
City reached at least the semi-finals of the FA Cup in each of their last seven seasons, including two title wins. They have a strong pedigree and are unlikely to drop the ball so early in the competition, not least against a lower league club. The hosts have a big match against Manchester United in the Premier League coming up next week, but that's no reason for Exeter to hope for an upset win.
Exeter have gone past the third round of the FA Cup only once since the 1981-82 edition, which came in last year's competition. With their league season stuck in the midtable logjam of the League One competition and the financial troubles around the club, the visitors have bigger worries to think about. Can Exeter upset the odds? Read more for our analysis, team news, and match predictions.
Limited Offer. Currently at Stake
The Best Betting Odds for Manchester City v Exeter City Match
| Bookmaker | 1 | X | 2 | Bonus up to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1.04 | 15 | 21 |
|
|
1.06 | 12 | 29 |
|
|
1.07 | 12 | 21 |
|
|
1.05 | 13 | 29 |
|
|
1.06 | 12 | 23 |
|
What is the prediction for the football match between Manchester City and Exeter City?
Our prediction for the Manchester City vs Exeter City match is: Exeter City +4 European Handicap.
Probabilities according to our algorithm* of possible 1X2 football predictions and best odds for the match on 10/01/2026 between Manchester City and Exeter City in FA Cup :
- The Sportytrader ⭐ algorithm estimates a probability of 68.21% for a win of Manchester City against Exeter City with odds of 1.08 at Bwin.
- The probability according to Sportytrader ⭐ for a draw between Manchester City vs Exeter City is 19.98% with odds of 15 at Bet365.
- Our prediction model gives a 11.82% chance ⭐ for a win of Exeter City vs Manchester City with odds of 30 at Tonybet.
Manchester City vs Exeter City Form
Manchester City and Exeter City Last Matches
3/6 (50%)
3/6 (50%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
7 Jan 2026 - Premier League
4 Jan 2026 - Premier League
1 Jan 2026 - Premier League
27 Dec 2025 - Premier League
20 Dec 2025 - Premier League
17 Dec 2025 - Carabao Cup
4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
7 Jan 2026 - Premier League
4 Jan 2026 - Premier League
20 Dec 2025 - Premier League
17 Dec 2025 - Carabao Cup
6 Dec 2025 - Premier League
29 Nov 2025 - Premier League
4/6 (67%)
1/6 (17%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
1 Jan 2026 - Premier League
27 Dec 2025 - Premier League
14 Dec 2025 - Premier League
10 Dec 2025 - Champions League
2 Dec 2025 - Premier League
22 Nov 2025 - Premier League
3/6 (50%)
1/6 (17%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
4 Jan 2026 - League One
1 Jan 2026 - League One
29 Dec 2025 - League One
26 Dec 2025 - League One
20 Dec 2025 - League One
13 Dec 2025 - League One
5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
1 Jan 2026 - League One
20 Dec 2025 - League One
9 Dec 2025 - League One
6 Dec 2025 - FA Cup
8 Nov 2025 - League One
28 Oct 2025 - EFL Trophy
1/6 (17%)
1/6 (17%)
4/6 (67%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
4 Jan 2026 - League One
29 Dec 2025 - League One
26 Dec 2025 - League One
13 Dec 2025 - League One
2 Dec 2025 - EFL Trophy
29 Nov 2025 - League One
Manchester City - Exeter City: Form Analysis
Manchester City were held to a 1-1 home draw by Brighton in their midweek Premier League match, making it a third successive stalemate. This run has seen them fall five points behind leaders Arsenal in the title race, with that deficit likely to go up on Thursday.
Manager Pep Guardiola will be keen to avoid an upset, and a run of eight consecutive wins prior to those draws is a big boost. Two of those draws have come at this venue, but 11 wins out of their last 12 competitive matches before that is a sign of their strengths.
This is the first-ever competitive match between these teams.
Exeter drew 2-2 away at Huddersfield last weekend to make it two wins and a draw in their last three games. The visitors are stuck at 14th in the League One standings, with the relegation zone a closer avenue than promotion playoff spots.
Having scored in seven of their last eight matches, even a goal here would lift the spirits of the traveling contingent, which is expected to be around 7,500. They won 2-0 away at FC Halifax Town and 4-0 at home against Wycombe Wanderers in their earlier rounds of this year's FA Cup competition.
Limited Offer. Currently at Stake
Missing players
J. Stones
MidfielderM. Kovacic
Rodri
Manchester City & Exeter City Squad Analysis
This game could be City's chance to rotate their players and keep them fresh for the upcoming derby against Manchester United in the Premier League. Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, and John Stones remain out of contention, while Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush are also doubtful.
City have usually played with one forward leading the line, while oscillating between two and four advanced midfielders. A 4-1-4-1 formation could be mooted here, with the likes of Jeremy Doku set to get a starting role.
Phil Foden has 10 goals for City this season in all competitions.
Exeter will be without captain Pierce Sweeney for this clash, with the 31-year-old defender suspended after getting booked in their two previous rounds.
The visitors have usually lined up with three men at the back in either 3-4-1-2 or 3-4-3 systems. That said, they can line up in a 4-4-1-1 formation to frustrate their famous opponents and limit their losing margin. Jayden Wareham could be their main goal outlet, with the forward scoring 11 goals in all competitions this season.
Most goals and assists
Manchester City
Exeter City
E. Haaland
(26 Goals)
J. Wareham
(8 Goals)
R. Cherki
(8 Assists)
Manchester City - Exeter City Key Points
- Manchester City drew their last three matches.
- City won eight of their last 11 matches in all competitions, all coming by a margin of three or fewer goals.
- Exeter lost only one of their competitive matches this season by a four-goal margin.
- Exeter scored in seven of their last eight competitive matches.
- This is the first ever competitive match between Man City and Exeter.
Limited Offer. Currently at Stake
Our Manchester City vs Exeter City Prediction
Three successive draws saw Manchester City fail in their bid to stay close to Premier League leaders Arsenal. With the Gunners playing Liverpool on Thursday, the Blues could fall further behind in the title race. Pep Guardiola's team also have an upcoming derby against Manchester United, which looms large in the context of their Premier League title ambitions.
That could pave the way for big changes in the playing XI, which is a ray of hope for Exeter to avoid a heavy loss. Our Manchester City vs Exeter City prediction is Exeter City +4 European Handicap.
Manchester City vs Exeter City - Other Interesting Predictions
Jeremy Doku to score anytime
Use £/€50 free bets for the Manchester City vs. Exeter City game!
Are you planning to bet on the upcoming match between Manchester City and Exeter City? Why not take advantage of the free bets from Bet365? Use our promo code STYVIP1 and open your account. Bet365 offers a welcome package of €/£50 free bet credits if you bet €/£10 as a new player.
Try your luck on this year's FA Cup! You need to make your qualifying bet of €/£10 within 30 days of opening an account and this can be on any sport with at least one selection priced at 1.2 (1/5) or bigger.
Manchester City vs Exeter City - FAQs
The Manchester City vs Exeter City FA Cup semi-finals match will not be telecast live in the UK.
You can follow the game through our live scores. Check out our FA Cup Livescore page!
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
