Leyton Orient vs Man City Prediction, Preview, H2H & Lineups

Leyton Orient vs Man City Prediction and head to head

Leyton Orient vs Man City Prediction, Possible Lineups, Preview, Head to Head and Team News | FA Cup, February 8, 2025.

Match Preview:

Tournament: FA Cup (Fourth Round)
Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025
Kick-off Time: 12:15 pm GMT
Venue: Brisbane Road, England

Manchester City will travel to League One side Leyton Orient for their FA Cup fourth-round clash at Brisbane Road. The reigning Premier League champions are expected to register a comfortable victory against their lower-league opponents. This will be the first meeting between the two sides in over five decades, with their last encounter dating back to 1966.

Leyton Orient have been enjoying an impressive campaign in League One, sitting sixth in the standings with 44 points after 28 games. Their sights are set on returning to the Championship for the first time in 43 years. Meanwhile, Manchester City, currently fifth in the Premier League, will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing 5-1 defeat to Arsenal.

Leyton Orient Team News

The hosts will be without key defenders Sean Clare and Omar Beckles, who remain sidelined due to injuries. Jordan Graham, Dan Agyei, Jack Simpson, and Ollie O’Neill are also in the treatment room, reducing head coach Richie Wellens’ squad depth for this crucial fixture.

Despite these setbacks, the O’s will be counting on their in-form attacking duo, Charlie Kelman and Jamie Donley, to trouble City’s defense. Kelman has been in red-hot form, netting 12 goals in all competitions, while Donley leads the assist charts for Leyton Orient with five.

Man City Team News

Pep Guardiola’s side will be missing several first-team stars for this encounter. Rodri, Jeremy Doku, Nathan Ake, and Ruben Dias are all sidelined with injuries. However, Ederson and Oscar Bobb have returned to training and will be assessed before the game.

Despite injuries, City boast a deep squad filled with world-class talent. Erling Haaland, who has 19 goals this season, will lead the line, supported by Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, and Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian maestro has provided six assists so far and will be instrumental in unlocking Leyton Orient’s defense.

Predicted Lineups

Leyton Orient (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Keeley
Defenders: James, Cooper, Happe, Currie
Midfielders: Pratley, Brown
Forwards: Perkins, Donley, Abdulai; Kelman

Manchester City (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Ortega
Defenders: Lewis, Khusanov, Stones, O’Reilly
Midfielders: Gundogan, McAtee
Forwards: Savinho, De Bruyne, Grealish; Haaland

Head-to-Head Record

Leyton Orient and Manchester City have faced each other 16 times in the past. The Cityzens have dominated this fixture, winning 12 of those encounters. The O’s have only managed two wins, with the remaining two matches ending in draws.

Date	Match	Competition
May 07, 1966	Leyton Orient 2-1 Man City	League Division Two
December 11, 1965	Man City 2-1 Leyton Orient	League Division Two
August 31, 1964	Leyton Orient 3-1 Man City	League Division Two
August 26, 1964	Man City 2-1 Leyton Orient	League Division Two
April 18, 1964	Man City 2-1 Leyton Orient	League Division Two

Key Players to Watch

Charlie Kelman (Leyton Orient)

The 23-year-old forward has been instrumental for Leyton Orient this season. On loan from QPR, Kelman has racked up 12 goals and four assists in 39 appearances. His pace, movement, and finishing ability will be key if the O’s are to cause an upset against City.

Erling Haaland (Man City)

Regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, Haaland has been a goal-scoring machine for Man City. The Norwegian has already netted 25 goals in 33 appearances this season and boasts an impressive 2.42 xG (expected goals) in his last five matches. Leyton Orient’s defense will have their work cut out trying to contain him.