The FA Cup third round begins this weekend and talkSPORT has a cracker to get things up and running.
Premier League champions Manchester City travel to League Two side Swindon Town on Friday evening as the top flight clubs enter the grand competition.
It could be an entertaining clash at the County Ground
City will ring the changes after a COVID-19 outbreak that will see manager Pep Guardiola miss the clash at the County Ground.
With several players also missing out it means that Ben Garner’s side may be slightly more optimistic than usual about causing an FA Cup upset.
Swindon vs Manchester City: Date and time
The FA Cup third round clash is set to take place on Friday, January 7 at the County Ground in Swindon.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm UK time.
Guardiola’s side will need to overcome the League Two play-off contenders if they’re to progress to the next round.
Guardiola will miss the clash at the County GroundGETTY
Swindon vs Manchester City: talkSPORT coverage
The third round clash is set to be broadcast live on talkSPORT on Friday evening with coverage starting at 7pm.
FA Cup gameday will be presented by Dan Windle.
Commentary at the County Ground will be provided by Jim Proudfoot and former Aston Villa midfielder Andy Townsend.
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Swindon vs Manchester City: Team news
The hosts will be without Joe Wollacott after being called up to the Ghana squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, meaning that the goalkeeper will miss out.
Mathieu Baudry and Jack Payne will also miss out, while Jonathan Williams is doubtful.
For City there could be a number of changes.
Riyad Mahrez is away with Algeria on AFCON duty, while around seven first team players are expected to miss out with COVID-19.
That means that the likes of Cole Palmer, James McAtee and Kayky could be given an opportunity to impress.
Cole Palmer could be set for another chance in City’s side
Swindon vs Manchester City: What’s been said?
Swindon boss Ben Garner: “We just have to play how we have done all season,” he said.
“We are set up to play in a certain way, to make sure we are good and brave on the ball. We can’t focus too much on if they do play some of their bigger names or a younger team.
“Consistency is key because with this week, if we prepared in a completely different way and we put a lot more focus on this game then, for me, that is disrespectful when we play Mansfield on Tuesday night, which for me is a big game.
“I know that this is a fantastic game for the football club and huge for the supporters and yes we want to do well, but, you know, I would love to get three points at Mansfield on Tuesday night.
“So we will be consistent with how we prepare. We prepare in the same way for every game in the same level of detail. As long as we do that we’re giving ourselves the best possible chance in each game that we play.”
Man City’s assistant coach Rodolfo Borrell said: We have seven players [out with Covid], I have to prepare a game tomorrow.
“We have to go again, we don’t know if tomorrow more players will be unavailable. I would not like to mention them because I might forget one. I don’t think it is for me to say right now.
“It’s seven players and 14 staff unavailable so it’s not for me to say. To fill in the whole squad and travel with at least five or six substitutes, we have to bring some players from the second team. But the outbreak involves players from the second team so it’s not that easy.”
