Manchester City survived a huge FA Cup fourth-round scare as Kevin De Bruyne came off the bench to secure a 2-1 victory at third-tier Leyton Orient on Saturday.
A wretched season for Pep Guardiola's side looked like reaching a new low as Orient held on to a 16th-minute lead given to them by Jamie Donley's long-range wonder strike that went in via the crossbar and the back of City keeper Stefan Ortega.
A strong City line-up huffed and puffed in response and were relieved when Abdukodir Khusanov equalised in the 56th minute, deflecting in Rico Lewis's shot following a corner.
De Bruyne came on late in the game and City's playmaker spared his side extra time when he was played in by Jack Grealish to score from close range in the 79th minute. Even then Orient almost equalised when skipper Dan Happe volleyed over a great chance in the closing minutes.
Leyton Orient vs Man City latest news
- GOAL! De Bruyne puts City ahead
- GOAL! Khusanov equalises
- GOAL! Watch Donley wonderstrike from 50 yards
Full-time!
14:12 , Alex Young95min: City, just about, march on!
92min: Four minutes added on.
CHANCE!
14:09 , Alex Young91min: It’s a glorious delivery and captain Happe meets it on the volley at the back post... but blazes over! That was the chance!
90min: Cooper wins a free kick about 35 yards out. Keeley is coming up!
87min: Obiero booked for a foul which may have been his first touch.
86min: Obiero replaces Galbraith.
83min: De Bruyne with a beauty of a pass to find Savinho but Keeley intercepts well.
81min: Savinho sent scampering down the right. I think that’s the first time we’ve seen him this half. Anonymous.
GOAL!
13:57 , Alex Young79min: City in front!
The first moment of real quality from City sees them take the lead.
Grealish dinks a ball over the top for De Bruyne to poke past Keeley.
77min: Cooper in the book for an awful tackle from behind on Marmoush.
The could have been a red.
76min: Kelman again! As the City defence back-tracking before stinging Ortega’s palms from the edge of the area.
The shot didn’t look on but he almost scored!
73min: Kelman does so well to hold off Gundogan and get a shot-cum-cross off in the area, but there is no one at the back post!
72min: Here they come. O’Reilly and McAtee make way.
69min: Foden and De Bruyne are warming up.
66min: Donley almost spots Currie on the break but the latter falls foul of the offside flag.
Orient still well in this!
63min: Pep wants a penalty as Simpson flies in on Marmoush, but there are no appeals and then McAtee bends a shot off the outside of the post.
Pep had a point!
60min: Kelman almost flicks Donley’s low free kick inside the near post!
59min: Pratley wiped out by Khusanov. Must be close to two decades’ age difference between those two.
GOAL!
13:35 , Alex Young56min: City are level as Lewis’s strike from the edge of the area hits Khusanov and deflects past Keeley.
So unfortunate for the O’s!
55min: 39-year-old Pratley is on for Jaiyesimi.
54min: Galbraith goes in hard on Grealish again.
Surely a booking isn’t too far away.
53min: Marmoush’s corner doesn’t clear the first man.
52min: Grealish wins a corner.
More urgency from City but Orient are standing firm.
49min: A stunning ball across the City ball from Galbraith puts it on a plate for Kelman, but Khusanov gets a toe on it before the Orient man can score.
47min: Marmoush sent wide by James but still gets a shot off.
Second half
13:23 , Alex Young46min: Stones and Khusanov are on, Reis and Dias are off.
One eye on Real Madrid, no doubt.
City back out and it looks like Stones is coming on.
It’s stopped raining in Leyton. Micah Richards needs to wipe his glasses.
Leyton Orient captain Dan Happe has a quick word with BBC Sport on his way to the dressing room.
Still a long way to go and he wants to see him and his team-mates to continue not being overawed despite being ahead.
Half-time!
13:08 , Alex Young52min: And so it is!
Orient ahead of the break thanks for an unreal strike from Donley.
51min: Reis with a foul and that should be that for the first half.
50min: Simpson with a drive from 25 yards which takes a deflection and forces Ortega into a save.
SAVE!
13:05 , Alex Young48min: Savinho with a stunning outside-of-the-boot cross to put it on a plate for Marmoush, but it’s straight at Keeley to make a save.
48min: James, not for the first time, has Grealish’s number on the right. City struggling to create.
45min: Nice move from Lewis and Bernardo on the edge of the area but, again, there is immediately three players around the City man.
Six minutes added on.
44min: James floats in the free kick, but City clear.
43min: McAtee into the book for a lunge on Jaiyesimi
42min: A cut back sees Perkins send a shot over the bar from the penalty spot. Got over it. Good chance.
40min: Savinho breaches Orient’s high line, but his first touch lets him down and the move breaks down.
Looked certain to score.
39min: Savinho tries his luck from the edge of the box but his shot fizzes over.
City building momentum.
OFF THE LINE!
12:54 , Alex Young37min: Marmoush’s free kick is floated at Gundogan, whose header is sent behind.
Marmoush takes the corner, it comes to Grealish who floats a beautiful cross to Bernardo at the back post to tuck home... but Donley is there to deny him on the line!
36min: Keeley appears to have shaken off whatever niggle was bothering him.
34min: Orient are swarming City every time they have the ball, and this time Donley goes a little too hard in on Reis.
Could have been a booking, but isn’t.
32min: Marmoush’s corner is met by Dias, who heads straight at Keeley.
And the Orient keeper now requires medical treatment. A big concern.
31min: Orient fans currently telling Pep that he’ll be getting sacked in the morning.
30min: Finally Grealish beats a man and finds Bernardo in the box, but his first-time effort is blocked.
28min: Marmoush’s latest corner flies straight into Keeley’s hands.
27min: Plenty of possession from City but they are doing less than nothing with it at the moment.
24min: Savinho has just booted the ball straight into Jaiyesimi’s face from point-blank range. Not on purpose, of course, but that must stiiiiing.
22min: Bernardo replaces Gonzalez.
Donley goal
12:38 , Alex YoungA stunner.
JAMIE DONLEY. THAT'S INCREDIBLE. 🤯
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 8, 2025
The @SpursOfficial loanee with an incredible effort from distance that ends up in the net to give @leytonorientfc the opening goal against Manchester City 😱#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/bHnKg92Q2y
21min: Bernardo will replace Gonzalez.
20min: A weak effort on goal from McAtee on the stretch. Gonzalez looks like he’s suffered an injury to his back.
Welcome to English football.
18min: I fear that strike may go down as an Ortega own goal as it came off the crossbar and hit the keeper on its way in.
City feel there was a foul on Gonzalez in the build-up. No VAR so they need to get back to the task at hand.
GOALLLLLLLLLLL!
12:34 , Alex Young16min: OH MY WORD!
Donely has just lobbed Ortega from 50 yards! He spotted the keeper off his line, tried his luck and he’s sent Brisbane Road into raptures!
CHANCE
12:31 , Alex Young14min: A bit more composure and Orient would be ahead!
Kelman races through and has Reis on the back foot, but his touch as he enters the area takes him wide and is forced to stretch his finish. Ortega saves well.
13min: Grealish getting booed by the home fans, not sure what that’s about.
Gundogan has had a sluggish start, he’s just passed the ball straight to an Orient player.
CHANCE!
12:27 , Alex Young10min: City should be ahead!
Great diagonal from Dias to Savinho allows the latter to put it on a plate for Gundogan, but the experienced midfielder completely fluffs his lines at the back post.
A sitter.
8min: Wellens, sitting in the stands through his own choice, is shouting down at his players.
7min: Marmoush wins another corner after playing the first short.
This time he whips it in and James heads clear.
6min: Grealish seeing plenty of the ball on the left in these opening minutes. Gundogan wins a corner.
5min: Well, well, well!
Currie’s drilled cross across the face of goal is not dealt with City at all and almost sees Perkins ghost in at the back post.
Ortega gathers - just - at the second attempt.
4min: First half-chance for City as Grealish cuts inside and finds the near side netting.
On commentary for BBC Sport, Martin Keown is surprised forward Marmoush is playing as a striker for City.
3min: Jaiyesimi does well to dart into the box, he looks up to see Donley unmarked in the area but opts to take Lewis on himself and loses out.
2min: Early chance for the hosts as Curry slings a throw into the box, which bounces once before City clear.
Kick-off!
12:16 , Alex Young1min: Here we go!
Here come the teams.
Man City's 'biggest game of the season'
12:11 , Alex YoungMicah Richards has described today’s game as Manchester City’s “biggest of the season.”
His reasoning being that the FA Cup is City’s best chance of silverware this season.
He has a point.
How high-flying Leyton Orient plan to give Man City a bloody nose
12:01 , Alex Young“I think you only get whatever you earn in life, so I think we’ve earned it. This is a game that will be seen globally.”
Leyton Orient chairman Nigel Travis cannot contain his excitement. On Saturday lunchtime, Travis and his beloved Orient, whom he has supported for 64 years, welcome Manchester City to Brisbane Road in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Read the full story from Dom Smith here!
Final prep ahead of kick-off.
Latest odds
11:46 , Alex YoungLeyton Orient to qualify: 15/2
Man City to qualify: 1/16
Double debut for City
11:28 , Alex YoungSo, it’s two debuts for Man City as central defender Vitor Reis and deadline day signing Nico Gonzalez get the nod.
Omar Marmoush leads the line with Erling Haaland rested, and is supported by Jack Grealish and Savinho.
James McAtee and Nico O'Reilly get another chance to impress.
Team news in full
11:21 , Alex YoungLeyton Orient XI: Keeley, James, Simpson, Happe, Brown, Currie, Donley, Perkins, Galbraith, Kelman, Jaiyesimi
Subs: Phillips, Sweeney, Cooper, Agyei, Ball, Pratley, Obiero, Carter, Markanday
Man City XI: Ortega, Lewis, Reis, Dias, O’Reilly, Nico, Gundogan, McAtee, Savinho, Grealish, Marmoush
Subs: Carson, Stones, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Akanji, Nunes, Khusanov, Foden, Mubama
Man City XI
11:16 , Alex YoungGrealish does start!
Today’s City lineup! 👊
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 8, 2025
XI | Ortega Moreno, Lewis, Reis, Dias (C), O’Reilly, Nico, Gundogan, McAtee, Savinho, Grealish, Marmoush
SUBS | Carson, Stones, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Akanji, Nunes, Khusanov, Foden, Mubama#ManCity | @etihad pic.twitter.com/mtQkL4GDo7
Leyton Orient XI
11:15 , Alex YoungHere’s how the hosts look!
YOU O'S! 👊
— Leyton Orient FC (@leytonorientfc) February 8, 2025
Here's how we'll line up for today's @EmiratesFACup clash against Man City 🔢#LOFC #OneOrient pic.twitter.com/E2hupSxHxR
A chance for Jack Grealish?
11:08 , Alex YoungIt should be a mix of experience and youth for Man City today.
One player who could really do with some minutes is Jack Grealish, who has not started a game in almost a month.
He scored in the 8-0 win over Salford in round three, which was his first goal in over a year.
Pep Guardiola said of Grealish at his pre-match press conference: "It's not that I don't like Jack. I know his attributes, it's just the big impact Savinho has had on assists and goals.
"The manager sometimes has to select one player over another. I make mistakes sometimes... it is manager life and you have to accept it."
It’s not a cup tie until you see a tin foil trophy. Extra points for club-specific ribbons.
Team news is not far off.
It’s an early start in east London today.
Pep Guardiola expects another tough game
10:37 , Alex Young"Always we've had problems away in this competition... away to teams in the Championship or League One or even League Two.
"Always we struggle. But we are ready for the challenge. Every game is a new opportunity."
Pep has caused me pain, says Richie Wellens
10:25 , Alex YoungManchester United fan Richie Wellens admits Pep Guardiola has caused him a lot of pain in recent years.
But Old Trafford season-ticket holder and Leyton Orient boss Wellens has a chance to make Guardiola's life a little more uncomfortable today.
"We can't wait," said Wellens. "It's good exposure for the club and we've got a lot of young, talented players who have really grown this season so for them to go up against some of the best players in the world is really good for them."
He added: "In terms of the day, this club almost went out of business six or seven years ago so to be where we are in the league and to be hosting probably the best team the Premier League has ever seen is huge testament to the club and how far it has come.
"I have to say Pep has caused me a lot of pain in the past, me and my sons, with how good they are.
"But it's the best of the best. He's a genius, he's a pioneer, a lot of coaches look up to him. What he's done, especially in English football, he's changed a lot of coaches' thinking."
Take two for Jamie Donley and Man City
10:13 , Alex YoungJamie Donley managed only two touches when he faced Manchester City last season but is ready to help Leyton Orient try to produce an almighty FA Cup upset today
Tottenham loanee Donley made his professional debut as a late substitute in Spurs' 3-3 draw at the Etihad Stadium during the 2023-24 campaign and the 20-year-old cannot wait to pit his wits against Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland again.
"Yeah, it was one of the best moments of my life, obviously being a Tottenham fan that will always be a special moment and how proud my family were with me," Donley told the PA news agency.
"Hopefully I get more touches in the game! You never know, I might not touch the ball but it will be a great experience for us and hopefully we give them a good challenge.
"It will be exciting but I won't be looking up to them in the game. I will run after them, try to kick them, try to get the ball off them and win the game ultimately because that is what we are there to do.
"Obviously it will be a good moment for the club, but in my mind I am definitely thinking about trying to win and getting through to the next round."
Richie Wellens hears back from Ange Postecoglou (kinda)
10:01 , Alex YoungAnge Postecoglou has responded to Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens after his comments appeared to suggest the Tottenham boss has used his side’s injuries as an excuse this season.
Spurs have been blighted by injury for much of the season. In a press conference last week, Orient’s Wellens responded to a question by saying: “I'm not Ange Postecoglou, keep using it as an excuse.”
Orient and Tottenham share a healthy relationship, with Harry Kane the most notable among a number of players Spurs have loaned to the O’s down the years.
Two of the club’s current first-team squad — goalkeeper Josh Keeley and forward Jamie Donley — are currently on season-long loans at Brisbane Road.
A reminder of the club’s tight relationship led Wellens to apologise in a Leyton Orient statement for his “stupid comment”.
Responding, Postecoglou said on Friday: “He's had his five minutes, that's good enough for me.”
How to watch for free
09:50 , Alex YoungTV channel: The game will be broadcast on BBC One, which is free to air for UK viewers. Coverage begins at 12pm GMT ahead of an 12.15pm kick-off.
Live stream: UK viewers will be able to watch for free on the BBC iPlayer.
A debut for Man City?
09:35 , Alex YoungPep Guardiola has suggested some Man City players could return from injury this weekend and gain valuable minutes ahead of the Madrid encounter.
Defenders Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias, winger Jeremy Doku and goalkeeper Ederson are all hoping to prove their fitness.
"Maybe some of them (will play), we will see," Guardiola said.
Nico Gonzalez could make his City debut following his move from Porto.
The 23-year-old offers a holding option City have lacked since talisman Rodri suffered a serious injury in September.
Guardiola said: "He's really important. It's a position where we were weak from Rodri's absence.
"He's a young player, 23. He can play six, eight or in the pockets. He has physicality, he's a strong boy. I'm really pleased with the effort of the club to bring him here for the next years."
Josh Keeley targets more FA Cup heroics
09:21 , Alex YoungLeyton Orient goalkeeper Josh Keeley is plotting more FA Cup heroics against Manchester City.
Keeley has been the undoubted star of Orient's run to the fourth round, having saved penalties in shoot-out wins over Boreham Wood and Derby.
As if that were not enough, the 21-year-old also scored a header in the ninth minute of stoppage time to equalise against Oldham in their eventual 2-1 win.
And Irishman Keeley, on loan with the League One O's from Tottenham, would have no hesitation in bombing forward in search of a late goal against City.
"Yes, 100 per cent," he said. "And if we were only 1-0 down I'd be buzzing.
"I've been up for corners a couple of times. With Ireland's Under-21s we played in Norway last year and I went up, and the ball fell to me on the edge of the box, but I couldn't shoot so I had to pass it.
"In school I always played upfield. I used to love getting on the ball. Then in lockdown playing on a local pitch I scored a bicycle kick and people said I was a natural.
"Unfortunately I don't get a goal bonus - but I've told my agent for my next contract."
Two giant-killings in one day?
08:48 , Alex YoungAt least two top-flight sides will be out of the FA Cup by tonight with Everton hosting Bournemouth before Brighton and Chelsea meet at the Amex Stadium in the day's final fixture.
However, there will be dreams of a major giant-killing elsewhere as Birmingham and Leyton Orient look to write their names into the latest chapter of the competition's illustrious folklore.
League One leaders City entertain Carabao Cup finalists Newcastle hoping for a repeat of their heroics in 2007 when, as a Championship side, they won 5-1 in a third round replay at St James' Park, while third tier rivals Orient host faltering Premier League champions Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola dismisses January transfer theory
08:09 , Alex YoungPep Guardiola has dismissed suggestions Manchester City's January spending spree was a pre-emptive strike against a possible future transfer embargo.
City made their first serious moves in a winter transfer window since signing Aymeric Laporte in 2018 as they splashed out £170million on Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis and Nico Gonzalez before Monday's deadline.
This has been widely interpreted as a response to an underwhelming first half of the season in which City have fallen behind in the Premier League title race and only just scraped into the Champions League play-offs.
Yet with a verdict expected in the coming months on the 115 charges City are facing over alleged breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations, the club may also have been trying to limit the impact of any punishment.
A transfer embargo is one of a number of sanctions they could face if found guilty, ranging from a fine to points deductions or even demotion. The club deny wrongdoing.
Guardiola feels City's actions are incorrectly judged because of their owners' wealth and their spending still does not match that of others.
He said: "I do not agree, but my words will not convince people that our attributes are (not) just being in a wealthy position.
"In the last five years, we are the last team in the top six for net-spend. Even after what we have spent in this transfer window, we are away from Chelsea, (Manchester) United, Arsenal, Tottenham, even from Liverpool.”
Standard Sport prediction
Friday 7 February 2025 23:22 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneManchester City have to bounce back following the 5-1 drubbing at Arsenal. Aside from that defeat and the PSG loss, Pep Guardiola's side have been decent and this game should suit them.
The return of some key players will allow Guardiola to rest some star names ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash against Real Madrid as well as get some minutes for those returning to action.
Even with a much changed team, City will be too strong for Orient and the League One side may just be on the wrong end of a heavy loss especially if they concede early.
Man City to win 4-0.
Early Leyton Orient team news
Friday 7 February 2025 19:30 , Jonathan GorrieOrient are likely to miss Sean Clare and Omar Beckles, with all of Jordan Graham, Dan Agyei, Jack Simpson and Ollie O’Neill also unavailable.
New signing Randell Williams may feature, with Charlie Kelman likely to start up front.
Early Man City team news
Friday 7 February 2025 16:36 , Jonathan GorriePep Guardiola is expected to ring the changes for Manchester City’s FA Cup tie against Leyton Orient.
In a major boost for the City boss, all of Ederson, Ruben Dias, Jeremy Doku and Nathan Ake have reportedly returned to training.
City are the visitors to Brisbane Road on Saturday, but will have one eye on next Tuesday’s massive Champions League knockout round play-off first-leg at home to Real Madrid.
Leyton Orient vs Man City: TV channel and live stream for FA Cup game
Friday 7 February 2025 14:26 , Jonathan GorrieTV channel: The game will be broadcast on BBC One, which is free to air for UK viewers. Coverage begins at 12pm GMT ahead of an 12.15pm kick-off.
Live stream: UK viewers will be able to watch for free on the BBC iPlayer.
LIVE coverage: Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog.
Man CIty include Rodri in Champions League squad
Friday 7 February 2025 13:52 , Alex YoungManchester City have included Rodri in their Champions League squad for the knockout phase, raising hopes he will return from a serious knee injury before the end of the season.
Clubs competing in UEFA competitions had until midnight on Thursday to make up to three changes to their squads.
New signings Nico Gonzalez — who can stand in for Rodri — forward Omar Marmoush, and defender Abdukodir Khusanov were added but teenage defender Vitor Reis missed out.
Rodri has set a target of about April - "six to seven months" after tearing the ACL in his right knee against Arsenal in September - to return to play. The Champions League quarter-finals start April 8.
Man City face Real Madrid in a two-leg knockout playoff, next Tuesday and on Februray 19. The winner will play either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16.
How high-flying Leyton Orient plan to give Man City a bloody nose
Friday 7 February 2025 12:11 , Jonathan Gorrie“I think you only get whatever you earn in life, so I think we’ve earned it. This is a game that will be seen globally.”
Leyton Orient chairman Nigel Travis cannot contain his excitement. On Saturday lunchtime, Travis and his beloved Orient, whom he has supported for 64 years, welcome Manchester City to Brisbane Road in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Read the full story from Dom Smith here!
Welcome
Friday 7 February 2025 11:46 , Alex YoungGood morning and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Manchester City’s FA Cup fourth round clash with Leyton Orient.
Kick-off at Brisbane Road is at 12.15pm GMT on Saturday, February 8, 2025.
Stick with us for all the build-up, action and reaction.
