A goal from Neil Bishop gave the Magpies the lead in the first game, but a late equaliser from Edin Dzeko earned City a replay in a game where they struggled to create many chances. It was Dzeko’s first, and so far only, goal in English football since his big money move from Wolfsburg during the January transfer window.
The two sides have met 68 times and not surprisingly City are the dominant force, winning over half of the contests. Notts have managed 18 victories but haven’t tasted success since 1991.
They have met five times in the FA Cup with County only winning once (in 1991). However, this isn’t the first time they have taken City to a replay. In 1995 the two sides met in the third round and the Magpies managed a 2-2 draw, only to be well beaten 5-2 in the replay, with Uwe Rosler grabbing four of City’s five goals.
The last two meetings between the sides have been in cup competitions, but prior to those, the last game was over a decade ago when City won 4-2 in a League Cup fixture.
The most recent league meeting was in 1999, with City winning 2-0 in League One.
Mancini-Ince rivalry adds spice
Paul Ince and Roberto Mancini have previous when it comes to head-to-head clashes, and although this will only be their second meeting as managers their history on the pitch ensures there will be no love lost in the technical area.
During Ince’s two years at Inter he came up against Mancini, who was then playing for Sampdoria, on a couple of occasions and both men were on the receiving end of some strong challenges.
Surprisingly Mancini, normally a placid forward, was the man to strike the first blow as he lunged in on Ince from behind and received a five-game ban for his troubles. Not to be outdone Ince returned the favour in a later match, the tenacious midfielder dragging his studs down the back of the Italian’s legs leaving Mancini writhing in agony.
TEAM NEWS
Manchester City
After defeat in the Manchester derby last weekend City could only manage a 0-0 draw against Aris Salonki in the Europa League on Tuesday so they will be aiming to get back to winning ways in this FA Cup fourth round replay.
Roberto Mancini may use this game to rest some of his star players and give some of his squad players a chance, especially after the midweek trip to Greece.
Flamboyant striker Mario Balotelli returned to training last week and has impressed which puts him in contention to be involved in this match, while Michael Johnson, who has been absent with injury for 17 months, could be included as he continues his recovery after being named as a substitute on the Greek trip.
Nigel De Jong and Adam Johnson are the only players definitely ruled out, both suffering with ankle injuries, and James Milner is a doubt with a tight hamstring.
Potential starting XI: Hart; Zabaleta, Boateng, K Toure, Kolarov; M Johnson, Vieira; Wright-Phillips, Silva, Balotelli; Dzeko.
Notts County
Notts eased their relegation fears in League One with a 2-0 victory over Colchester in midweek, a result that leaves them four points clear of the drop zone, and they will hope they can continue this form with a surprise victory against City.
On-loan Derby County winger David Martin is definitely ruled out of the clash after injuring his groin during a half-time warm-up against Colchester, and will return to his parent club for a scan on the problem. Lewis Gobern is also a doubt for the match – he has continued his recovery from a thigh injury in recent weeks and could be involved if he comes through training on Saturday morning.
Potential starting XI: Nelson; Edwards, Darby, Pearce, Harley; Westcarr, McDonald, Bishop, Gow; Hughes, Hawley.
Prediction
Man City 3-1 Notts County F.C. 
