Overview
- The third-round tie kicks off at 15:00 GMT at the Etihad, with no live UK TV coverage due to the 3 p.m. blackout.
- Guardiola said he will not stack the XI with academy players, with only a few youngsters expected as City seek a first win of 2026.
- City’s back line is stretched with Joško Gvardiol out long term after shin surgery, Rúben Dias sidelined with a hamstring issue, and John Stones unavailable, prompting the recall of Max Alleyne from his loan at Watford.
- New signing Antoine Semenyo joined from Bournemouth for a reported £62.5m on a five-and-a-half-year deal and is included in the squad.
- The tie will be decided on the day with no replays, and Exeter’s Supporters’ Trust has asked City to transfer a portion of their share of gate receipts to aid the fan-owned club.