Michael Owen has predicted Swansea City's FA Cup journey to come to an end when they host Premier League leaders Manchester City on Wednesday night.

Steve Cooper's men are in outstanding form in the Championship, and moved to within just two points of leaders Norwich City following their victory over Daniel Farke's team at the Liberty Stadium on Friday evening.

With second-placed Brentford travelling to Reading on Wednesday evening, that gap could extend to four points before the South Wales outfit are next in league action, but they would have played a game fewer than the top-two, so are well-placed.

But Swansea's attentions turn to the FA Cup this week, although it could hardly be tougher - with Pep Guardiola's runaway leaders their fifth-round opponents.

 

 

City will arrive at the Liberty Stadium in outstanding form having moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League on Sunday by thrashing Liverpool at Anfield - their 14th victory on the bounce in all competitions.

With the amount of quality in City's squad, they're heavy favourites to win this competition once again, although a trip to Wales won't be taken lightly by Guardiola.

But Owen thinks that Manchester City will have too much for the Championship outfit. He told Bet Victor:

"Swansea are going well in the Championship; however, they face the ultimate test up against a City side that are playing as well as they have for some time.

"I really like Swansea's style of play, but I do believe that their main target is promotion this season. Also, I City seem hungrier than ever right now and I reckon they'll not only win here but be in the mix when the medals are handed out in May."

The Verdict

This is a repeat of the quarter-final from two years ago when Swansea led Guardiola's team 2-0, before City produced a late comeback to progress and gone on and win the competition.

But City have improved dramatically defensively since then - with Mohammed Salah's second-half penalty at Anfield just the fourth goal they've conceded during their 14-match winning run of late.

And with the likes of Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden full of confidence, I expect the visitors to book their place in the last-eight with a comfortable win here.