After producing a seismic FA Cup shock in the fourth round, Plymouth Argyle must do it all over again as the Championship side take on Manchester City for a quarter-final place.
Miron Muslic’s second-tier strugglers stunned Premier League leaders Liverpool to continue their cup run and set up an encounter with another of the top flight’s giants. The hosts may be out of the chase for silverware in the league and Europe but Pep Guardiola’s side are looking stronger and stronger contenders in this competition as many of their rivals tumble out.
But their vulnerability was on display in a nervy outing against Leyton Orient in the previous round, and their visitors will hope to prey on any frailties this afternoon. Surely another giant-killing is beyond the Pilgrims? In this grand old competition, never rule anything out…
Follow all of the latest from the Etihad Stadium with our live blog below.
Man City vs Plymouth LIVE
Plymouth Argyle have been offered another chance to extend their odds-defying FA Cup run as they welcome Pep Guardiola’s struggling Manchester City to Home Park.
Despite sitting 22nd in the Championship the Pilgrims are enjoying a dramatic cup run, having already knocked out two Premier League sides in Brentford and Liverpool.
The Liverpool upset was settled by a 53rd-minute penalty dispatched by Ryan Hardie. Arne Slot’s young Reds were unable to muster the necessary response, forcing a fingertip save from goalkeeper Conor Hazard in injury time.
Manchester City’s FA Cup campaign has not been without drama. Their round four tie away to Leyton Orient got off to a slow start when Tottenham loanee Jamie Donley’s halfway-line shot fell awkwardly, deflecting in off Stefan Ortega’s back. Despite struggling in the league, Guardiola’s squad managed to recover to win.
City’s form is at its worst since Guardiola arrived in 2016. Sitting fifth in the Premier League and 20 points adrift of the top spot, there is no better opportunity for Plymouth to turn them over.
Chris Wilson1 March 2025 14:25
Man City vs Plymouth LIVE
Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of today’s FA Cup fifth round tie between Manchester City and Plymouth Argyle.
City come into the game having rediscovered some form, while Plymouth are hoping for a second giant-killing in a row having beaten Liverpool in round four.
And we’ll have all the latest build-up and updates right here.
Chris Wilson1 March 2025 14:15
