Former Bristol City and Man City striker’s FA Cup prediction and hopes for Man Utd fan

Former Bristol City and Manchester City striker Shaun Goater is predicting an ‘exciting’ clash between his two former clubs in the FA Cup tonight.

The Robins will host the back-to-back Premier League champions at a sold-out Ashton Gate this evening with more than 27,000 fans set to watch the fifth-round clash. Nigel Pearson’s men are unbeaten in 12 matches and that will be put to the test against the riches of Pep Guardiola’s side.

Goater will be in attendance, and he has an affiliation to both teams. He joined City in 1996 and scored 40 goals in 75 games until 1998. He was bought by Manchester City for more than double what City paid for him and he went on to play more than 200 times for the Citizens, scoring 84 goals and winning back-to-back promotions.

“Tonight’s game is going to be really exciting,” said Goater to BBC Radio Bristol. I can’t lose because both teams I support and I love I had great times at both clubs.”

Goater, born in Bermuda hopes that his fellow countryman Nahki Wells can get on the score sheet. Wells is City’s top scorer this season with 11 goals in all competitions this season.

The 32-year-old is a Manchester United fan who celebrated the Red Devils’ Carabao Cup win on Sunday, and despite Goater playing for their inter-city rivals, he wants to see him on the scoresheet which would bring pride to their home country.

He said: “I’m hoping I’m not sure if he’s starting or not that Nahki Wells can do well and score a goal because as a Bermudian we’re really proud of players that go on and do well.

“Something tells me, Manchester City will win the game.”

Tonight’s match kicks off at Ashton Gate at 8.00 pm, and will be broadcast on ITV, as well as its streaming service ITVX. BristolWorld will be in attendance to bring you the match as it happens, as well as the reaction from Pearson, Guardiola and others.

Bristol City welcome Premier League giants Manchester City to a sold-out Ashton Gate in the fifth round of the Emirates FA Cup tonight.