Mark Lawrenson believes Manchester City "got away with one" against Everton in the Premier League but should face few struggles against Peterborough United in the FA Cup.
The BBC Sport pundit and former Liverpool defender believes victory should be "straightforward" for Pep Guardiola's side ahead of their trip to London Road on Tuesday night. City will be looking to build on Saturday's 1-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park as Phil Foden netted the only goal of the game to help them restore a six-point cushion at the top of the table.
Pep Guardiola's side suffered a shock 3-2 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur a week earlier and were under immense pressure to get back to winning ways after Liverpool's 6-0 thrashing of Leeds during the week. Now City switch their focus back to cup football.
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They make the journey south as overwhelming favourites to progress to the quarter-finals of the competition, with Peterborough currently rooted to the foot of the Championship table. They recent installed Grant McCann as their new manager but he made a losing start to life in charge on Saturday, overseeing a 3-0 defeat to Hull City.
It means that the Posh's only wins since the start of 2022 have been in the FA Cup against Bristol Rovers (2-1) and QPR (2-0) — a run of two wins in 12 matches. So City will fancy their chances of progressing to the next round with minimal fuss.
"Manchester City got away with one on Saturday at Goodison Park," Lawrenson told BBC Sport. "I just don't understand how VAR could have taken a look at Rodri's handball and not awarded a penalty to Everton.
"It's been a tricky few days for Pep Guardiola 's side following their defeat by Tottenham, and they have the Manchester derby to come this weekend too, but I think their trip to London Road will be pretty straightforward. Peterborough have just reappointed Grant McCann as manager but he has a lot more to worry about than taking on the Premier League leaders — his side are bottom of the Championship and have taken one point from their past six games
"I'd imagine Guardiola will make quite a few changes to his team, but the players coming in will still be top class. Posh have conceded an average of two goals a game in the league this season, and I don't see them keeping City quiet."
Prediction: Peterborough 0-2 City.
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