Next Up: Exeter City vs Stevenage
Well, let’s call that one a learning experience. Manchester City are a side that doesn’t “declare” if they’re 4-0 up at half time, as City found to their cost in a record-breaking FA Cup defeat. Gary Caldwell and his troops will now need to dust themselves off as it’s back to the bread and butter of the league. One bright spot was the cameo of George Birch, who probably thought he would be playing in the FA Cup but at Grimsby with Weston-Super-Mare rather than at the Etihad – less that he would come on and score a piledriver from 25 yards. Birch’s performance will have given Caldwell a headache as there will be expectations that he will at least make the bench. Elsewhere Andrew Oluwabori’s loan spell at Yeovil came to an end and he will be available for selection, while Kieran Wilson remains at Torquay for another month. Pierce Sweeney missed the FA Cup humiliation due to suspension and will slot straight back in with Ed Turns likely to make way. On the injury front, Jack McMillan was named on the bench last week although carrying a knock, while Jayden Wareham tweaked his hamstring and was withdrawn at half time – Caldwell will hope to have both available this week.
While City’s league form has picked up in recent weeks, the same can’t be said for Stevenage, whose surprise (to everyone except perhaps themselves) promotion push has been derailed somewhat by one win in their last eight and two in their last twelve in the league. In addition Boro were dumped out of both the FA Cup and EFL Trophy with home defeats to lower league opposition in Chesterfield and Walsall. Alex Revell’s side, boasting the best defensive record ahead of City in second, have kept just one clean sheet since the end of November, that in a 0-0 draw with an AFC Wimbledon side that looked toothless in both defeats to City in the last few weeks. Stevenage have relied heavily on former City striker Jamie Reid for goals, the Northern Ireland international having netted eight times so far this season, while Carl Piergianni is key to Boro’s defensive strength as he cuts an imposing figure at the back.
Stevenage put in an impressive display in the reverse fixture, edging City out 2-1 – Harvey White gave the hosts an early lead which was cancelled out by Josh Magennis before Jordan Roberts settled things late on. City were victorious 2-0 last time Stevenage made the long trip down, Ed Francis and Kamari Doyle scoring the goals. City retain a healthy league head to head advantage with 15 wins to Boro’s seven, 11 matches finishing level.
The match officials for this game will be:-
Referee: Martin Woods
Assistant Referees: Daniel Flynn and David Nicholson
Fourth Official: Niall Smith
Martin Woods took charge of an Exeter game back in September when City lost 1-0 away at Rotherham. In March 2024 he took charge of a home game against Burton Albion which City won 1-0, but sent off Zak Jules for an incident in the tunnel at half time.
Interview with Gary Caldwell
Interview with Liam Oakes