FA Cup schedule: Fourth round finishes today with City vs Salford, Villa-Newcastle tonight

Manchester City wraps up the FA Cup fourth round today against Salford City, with Aston Villa facing Newcastle United later on Valentine’s Day. Two thrilling matches will determine who advances to the fifth round.

Manchester City Heavy Favorites Against League Two Salford

Manchester City enter as overwhelming favorites today, with most predictions backing them to win comfortably. The Citizens defeated Salford 8-0 in October, and experts predict another heavy defeat ranging from 4-0 to 5-0. Pep Guardiola’s side showed their strength in the third round with a 10-1 victory over another lower-league opponent.

Salford City, a League Two side, represents the classic David versus Goliath narrative. This is their historic first appearance in the fourth round after a remarkable cup run. Despite the odds, they’ll hope to limit damage and pull off an upset.

City’s squad depth and current form make them near-certain to advance. Young talent like Ryan McAidoo are expected to feature alongside experienced players returning to competitive action.

Guardiola Reveals His Unique Love for the FA Cup

Pep Guardiola expressed his deep affection for the FA Cup competition in his pre-match press conference. The Manchester City manager stated that some of his favorite memories are in the FA Cup, and he values the competition’s unique character. His players appear exhausted from the busy schedule, making rotation likely today.

City’s manager praised the FA Cup’s ability to deliver unexpected moments and bring together teams from different levels. Guardiola takes pride in navigating the early rounds, though his priority remains securing three points and advancing smoothly. He confirmed the squad will get rest after today’s fixture.

The Spanish tactician expects young players and squad fringe members to earn valuable minutes against League Two opposition. This approach has worked perfectly in previous rounds, with City delivering convincing victories while managing fatigue.

FA Cup Schedule: Both Matches on Valentine’s Day

Match	Kick-Off Time	Venue
Manchester City vs Salford City	3:00 PM EST	Etihad Stadium
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United	5:45 PM EST	Villa Park

“Some of my favourite memories are in the FA Cup. I have to think about it because I’ll carry these memories with me long after I leave English football.”

— Pep Guardiola, Manchester City Manager

Villa and Newcastle Battle in All-Premier League Clash

Aston Villa host Newcastle United in an exciting all-Premier League matchup at Villa Park this evening. Both teams come into the fixture having overcome difficult tests in the third round. Villa impressed by defeating Tottenham 2-1 away from home, while Newcastle secured a dramatic penalty victory against Bournemouth after a 3-3 draw.

Villa sit in third place in the Premier League and represent serious contenders for the cup. Newcastle’s penalty heroics show character and resilience under pressure. Both managers will field competitive lineups knowing a place in the fifth round awaits the winner.

The Valentine’s Day fixture adds romantic flair to what promises to be a competitive battle. Villa Park will host under the lights, creating an electric atmosphere for this Premier League showdown in the cup competition.

Will Today’s FA Cup Finishes Set Up Exciting Fifth Round Matches?

The outcomes of both matches will significantly shape the FA Cup fifth round draw. If City wins convincingly and Villa overcomes Newcastle, two of England’s most successful clubs will clash later in the competition. Salford’s cup journey, though likely ending today, has already captured imaginations across English football.

Manchester City will be eager to maintain their 11-year streak of consecutive appearances in the fifth round. Newcastle’s form this season suggests they’re capable of mounting a serious cup challenge if they progress. The Premier League crowd at Villa Park tonight will create an intimidating environment for the visitors.

Fans watching both matches today should expect contrasting narratives, from City’s likely dominance to a closely contested Premier League affair on Valentine’s Day evening.

Sources

• ESPN – Live coverage and match schedules for Manchester City vs Salford City and Aston Villa vs Newcastle United
• Sky Sports – FA Cup fourth round fixtures, team news, and predictions
• BBC Sport – Comprehensive match coverage and analysis from official broadcasters