The search for silverware continues for Manchester City .
The Blues are back in action as they travel to face Cardiff in the FA Cup fourth round this afternoon.
City can book their place in the fifth round as they look to avoid an upset at the Cardiff City Stadium.
It is sure to be a difficult test for the Blues and Pep Guardiola admits he is expecting a physical encounter today. “I saw Mansfield v Cardiff and realise immediately the way they play, they do to quite well," he said.
"We know exactly how complicated the game will be. Last season against Huddersfield, we needed a replay. It’s a team on top form. Tall team, set pieces, aggressive one against one.
"We have to defend high because if we defend the box they are so strong."
Stick with us for all the build up, team news and score updates LIVE from the Cardiff City Stadium.
A monumental challenge
Neil Warnock has jokingly described Cardiff’s preparation for the fourth-round FA Cup tie against City as ‘easy’ because he has not had to get the ball out.
“It’s been the easiest week of training,” Warnock said.
“We’ve just been chasing shadows to get used to it.
“We’ve haven’t had a ball out at all. It’s been great.
“We’ve just been throwing up a few pieces of paper in the wind for the players to chase.”
Provisional squad
Bravo, Ederson, Walker, Danilo, Otamendi, Stones, Mangala, Adarabioyo, Zinchenko, Toure, Gundogan, Fernandinho, De Bruyne, D Silva, B Silva, Diaz, Sterling, Sane, Aguero.
TV information
Cardiff City vs Manchester City will be shown live on BBC One from 3:35pm on Sunday 28 January.
Kick-off from the Cardiff City Stadium is at 4pm.
You will be able to follow all the action on our live blog as always.
Highlights will be shown later that evening on BBC One.
History for Houghton
Steph Houghton is making history today, a fantastic achievement.
Change of plan?
Pep Guardiola is expecting a different type of test this afternoon.
“We are going to prepare now for the next one against Cardiff (in the FA Cup) and that will be completely different to how we prepared for Bristol City, because Cardiff play a lot of long balls.”
Magic of the Cup
Pep Guardiola has set out his trophy priorities ahead of the cup tie at Cardiff.
“But I like the Premier League a lot, because every single weekend or every three days you have to be ready. For me that is more important. The Champions League is the most beautiful, the most prestigious.
“But the Premier League is something special - like it was the LaLiga for me or the Bundesliga in Germany. After that the FA Cup is important, and now we are in the final of the League Cup we try to win that.
Home disadvantage?
Cardiff have won just one of their previous seven home games in the FA Cup (D1 L5), last winning against Colchester United in January 2015 (3-1).
Walker ready
Kyle Walker is ready for the match ahead.
No room for complacency
There has been a certain consistency to Manchester City’s cup ties this season - they either play middling/bottom Premier League teams (Leicester, Burnley, WBA) or top Championship sides (Wolves, Bristol City, Cardiff).
Which means the players know exactly what to expect today - a team much better than the average lower-league team, but one that will be beaten as long as you match their work rate.
Wolves and Bristol gave City three of their hardest games of the season, simply because they have nothing to lose and were simply out to make an impression.
Expect nothing less today - it’s a grey, foul, damp day in south Wales, in contrast to the sunshine we left behind in Manchester. Classic FA Cup weather, and a classic Neil Warnock side - getting out of the game unscathed will be a miracle!
Pick your City team
Chose your XI using the selector below.
Predicted line up
Our writers have chosen their sides for today’s match.
A tricky test
After a run of four successive defeats, Cardiff are now unbeaten in their last four games in all competitions (W2 D2 L0).
Scene is set
Our writer Stuart Brennan is here nice an early.
Happy birthday!
Fernandinho has sent a special message to his daughter on her first birthday.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BefoAb5h6yK/
Team news
Kyle Walker has been passed fit for City while Vincent Kompany could make his first appearance since December after a calf injury.
Benjamin Mendy and Fabian Delph (both knee), midfielder Phil Foden (ankle) and striker Gabriel Jesus (knee) are still out.
Match day!
Hello and welcome to our City match blog, as the Blues continue their FA Cup dream.
