We simulated Man City vs Huddersfield Town to predict FA Cup third round clash

Manchester City will begin their defence of the FA Cup when they host Championship side Huddersfield Town in the third round on Sunday.

After winning a fifth trophy of the season at the Club World Cup, City returned to Premier League action with two wins out of two to end 2023 on a high. Phil Foden starred in a 2-0 win against Sheffield United in City’s last outing, keeping Pep Guardiola’s side among the Premier League title challengers.

City were boosted by the return of Kevin De Bruyne to the bench against Sheffield United while Erling Haaland has returned to training. It’s unclear whether either will be risked against Huddersfield, with the Terriers currently struggling in the Championship.

ALSO READ: Pep issues injury update on four players

ALSO READ: Pep offers update on Phillips transfer exit in January

So can City pick up another victory on Sunday? Let's take a look.

To complete this simulation, we used EA FC 24 and updated the squads with the latest injuries and suspensions.

We predict that City could line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their line-up as follows: Ortega; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Lewis, Kovacic; Bobb, Foden, Grealish; Alvarez.

We predict that the Terriers could set up in a 3-5-2 formation, with their line-up as follows: Nicholls; Lees, Helik, Nakayama; Kasumu, Wiles, Edmonds-Green, Rudoni, Ayina; Thomas, Koroma.

City were unlucky not to be ahead in the opening 10 minutes at the Etihad, with Julian Alvarez having two strikes ruled out for offside in a dominant start. This didn't knock the Argentine's confidence and he managed to eventually break the deadlock after 19 minutes.

As Oscar Bobb picked up possession on the right, the Norwegian cut inside before sliding a pass through to Alvarez.