Leyton Orient v Manchester: Back Goliath to beat David at even money | OneFootball

English FA Cup

Ryan Deeney previews Leyton Orient v Manchester City

Brisbane Road plays host to Premier League Champions Manchester City as Leyton Orient look to produce the shock of all shocks in the FA Cup Fourth Round...

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Leyton Orient v Manchester CitySaturday 8th February, 12:15Live on BBC One

The shock of all shocks?

This is what the FA Cup is all about. The dream we are sold every year. Unlikely League One promotion hopefuls taking on the cream of the crop.

And this isn't the all-conquering Manchester City we've come to know. They lose football matches now. They're not top of the Premier League. They scraped through in the Champions League.

Meanwhile Leyton Orient are 6th in League One. They've just gone 11 matches unbeaten. Their manager started his career in the Manchester United academy. They're at home with a sell-out crowd. They have form and narrative at their disposal.

Are we about to witness the shock of all shocks?

City are fallible... but still one of the best

Sorry, I'm playing party pooper.

The narrative is fun. It really is. But after all their issues, Man City have won six of their last nine matches in all competitions. They have scored 2 or more in 8 of those matches and 3 or more in 9. They beat League Two Salford City 8-0 in Round Three.

Sure, they were humbled at the weekend. But their recent defeats have come away at Paris St.Germain and Arsenal. This is an altogether different prospect with City likely to make changes that include new club captain Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish starting.

And yes, Leyton Orient have been in tremendous form. They had gone 11 unbeaten until last weekend - conceding just four goals in that time - and have lost just three of their last 17 league. However, those three defeats have come against three of the current top five in League One. They are having difficulties cracking the top sides.

Richie Wellens' side also don't come into this at full strength. Omar Beckles, whose return to the backline was so important, is missing along with three of their recent January additions due to being cup-tied. They had to field talented midfielder Ethan Galbraith at right-back last time out, albeit Tom James should be fit enough to start here.

James to McAtake his chance

If the visitors are going to win comfortably, we should look at who may make the difference.

James McAtee probably starts this game. He is seen as a talented prospect but is now 22 years of age with 98 career appearances to his name now, including seven substitute appearances for Manchester City this season.

He has also made an impression in the FA Cup against lower league opposition, bagging twice for Sheffield United against Gillingham last season before netting a hat-trick against Salford City in round three of this year's competition.

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