Plymouth Argyle’s fervent Green Army is making their way to Manchester in anticipation of witnessing their team potentially pull off yet another FA Cup upset. The Championship side is set to face off against Pep Guardiola’s star-studded Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium for the fifth round clash, scheduled to commence at 17:45 GMT. With tickets for Argyle supporters completely sold out, approximately 7,800 dedicated fans, including members of the North Devon Greens group, are bracing themselves to embark on the lengthy 280-mile journey to the home of the reigning Premier League champions.
Tristan Bannister, a devoted member of the North Devon Greens supporters group, divulged that he and his wife Claire were so eager to attend the match that they secured their train tickets and accommodation well before they managed to snag a ticket for the away section. The couple from Westward Ho! will be accompanied by numerous other enthusiasts from their supporter group, all emanating the same excitement and optimism ahead of the high-profile fixture. Amidst the buzz surrounding the tie, Mr. Bannister emphasized that regardless of the final result, the camaraderie and passion experienced during any Argyle away game are truly beyond compare.
Stand-up comedian and avid Argyle aficionado Josh Widdicombe humorously opined on the upcoming encounter, playfully suggesting that City, currently seated fourth in the Premier League and ousted from the Champions League by Real Madrid, may have more at stake than Argyle in the grander scheme of their respective seasons. Despite being unable to physically attend the match due to a prior gig commitment in Chipping Norton, Widdicombe expressed his unwavering support for the team, intending to catch the game before his performance commences. Additionally, Julie Cardell, a dedicated Argyle follower who never misses a match, shared her mix of nerves and excitement, anticipating a formidable City lineup in response to their victory over Liverpool in the previous round.
Notably, Aaron Cowley, a Torquay native and staunch Manchester City supporter, is also en route to Manchester from Devon for the enthralling encounter from the opposite end of the spectrum. Cowley anticipates a robust City squad taking the field, including standout striker Erling Haaland, considering the FA Cup as the club’s most lucrative avenue for silverware this season. While expressing his desire for a City triumph, Cowley recognizes Argyle’s potential and the rarity of such matchups occurring frequently, relishing the unique spectacle the FA Cup clash has to offer for both sets of fans
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