Manchester City v Exeter City FA Cup: How to Watch, Listen and Who’s Commentating Around the World

Match date: 10 January 2026

Manchester City v Exeter City FA Cup: How to Watch, Listen and Who’s Commentating Around the World

The FA Cup still has the power to throw up a true David v Goliath tie, and Manchester City v Exeter City at the Etihad is exactly that. Premier League champions City host League One Exeter in the third round, with coverage spread across TV, radio, streaming platforms and club channels worldwide. For British fans, the most familiar names in the line-up come from the BBC, with extensive updates on BBC Final Score, live radio coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live and regional passion from BBC Radio Devon and BBC Spotlight. Internationally, the game is carried by major broadcasters such as ESPN, beIN Sports, SuperSport and a host of streaming services, while Manchester City’s own City+ and official YouTube channel provide club-focused coverage and in-depth punditry.

This third‑round tie comes at a fascinating moment for City. Pep Guardiola’s side have stuttered slightly at the start of 2026 and are looking for their first win of the calendar year in all competitions, but their FA Cup record against lower‑league opponents is formidable, winning their last 19 ties against teams from below the Premier League by an aggregate score of 72–10.[2] Exeter, meanwhile, arrive in respectable League One form and with nothing to lose, backed by a sold‑out away end of nearly 8,000 travelling fans at the Etihad.[2] Below is a detailed guide to where you can watch or listen to the match and some background on the presenters, commentators and pundits bringing the action to life.

Match context: FA Cup glamour tie at the Etihad

This is the first ever competitive meeting between Manchester City and Exeter City, adding an extra sense of occasion for both clubs.[2] City, holders of a historic treble in 2022–23 and one of the dominant forces in English football, treat the FA Cup seriously; they have reached at least the semi‑final stage in each of the last six seasons.[1][2] Guardiola is expected to rotate his squad, but with City’s depth, that still means international‑class quality all over the pitch.[1]

Exeter City, nicknamed the Grecians, come into the tie in mid‑table League One but buoyed by an upturn in form, including back‑to‑back wins and an impressive 4–0 victory over Wycombe Wanderers earlier in the FA Cup campaign.[1][2] For many Exeter fans, this is a dream draw, a chance to test themselves against the very best at one of Europe’s most modern stadiums and perhaps emulate some of the famous giant‑killings that have made the FA Cup world‑famous.

For more background on the competition itself, the Emirates FA Cup remains the oldest national football competition in the world, and matches like this underline its unique blend of romance and jeopardy.

UK coverage: BBC updates, radio commentary and regional focus

BBC Final Score – reporter Andy Stevenson

BBC Final Score remains a staple of Saturday afternoons for British football fans, providing live updates, goals and reports from grounds around the country. For Manchester City v Exeter City, the BBC has Andy Stevenson on reporting duties. A long‑serving BBC Sport journalist and broadcaster, Stevenson has covered Premier League and EFL action for many years, regularly contributing to Final Score, BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sport’s digital platforms. His role at the Etihad will be to feed in‑game updates, reaction and key incidents as they happen, particularly important for fans following multiple FA Cup ties simultaneously.

BBC Radio 5 Live – national radio updates with Lee Blakeman

On BBC Radio 5 Live, the match is on the network’s radar through the experienced reporter Lee Blakeman. Blakeman is a familiar voice to listeners of 5 Live Sport, often found providing detailed match reports, half‑time summaries and post‑match reaction from both Premier League and EFL grounds. While 5 Live may feature several matches and other sports on a busy FA Cup afternoon, Blakeman’s updates from the Etihad ensure that this tie remains a key part of the national radio narrative.

BBC Radio Devon, BBC Sounds and BBC Sport Online – James Vickery and Alan Tonge

For those in the South West or Exeter fans following from afar, BBC Radio Devon offers the most passionate and detailed local coverage. The broadcast is fronted by James Vickery, a well‑known voice on BBC Radio Devon’s sports output, with co‑commentary from former Exeter City defender Alan Tonge. Tonge came through the ranks at Manchester United as a youngster before later playing for Exeter City, giving him a rare perspective that spans both elite and lower‑league football. His experience as a defender and his close knowledge of Exeter make him an ideal analyst for such a high‑profile cup tie.

The same commentary pairing of Vickery and Tonge is also available via the BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport Online (Audio), making it easy for Exeter supporters and neutral listeners across the UK – and abroad where rights allow – to tap into the local perspective. BBC Sounds has increasingly become the digital home of the BBC’s radio sport portfolio, allowing fans to listen on mobile, tablet or desktop.

BBC Spotlight – reporter Andy Birkett

On television for the South West region, BBC Spotlight has Andy Birkett reporting on the tie. Spotlight is the BBC’s regional news programme for the South West of England, and cup occasions like this are a major story for the Exeter area. Birkett’s coverage is likely to focus on the travelling support, the build‑up in Exeter, and the wider significance of the tie for the club and community.

BBC World Service – René Meulensteen and Lee James

For global radio listeners, the BBC World Service brings an international flavour to the game. The World Service’s coverage includes insight from René Meulensteen, best known for his role as first‑team coach under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, where he helped develop stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo. Meulensteen later managed Fulham in the Premier League and has worked with national teams, giving him a broad tactical outlook and an understanding of English cup football at the very highest level.

Reporting alongside him is Lee James, a highly respected broadcaster who has fronted and reported on football for the World Service across World Cups, European Championships and the Premier League. Together, they offer analysis tailored to a global audience, explaining not just the match itself but also the wider context of English football.

Manchester City’s own coverage: City+ and YouTube

As is now common for elite clubs, Manchester City provide their own in‑house coverage of the tie through City+, the club’s subscription streaming service, and via the official YouTube: Man City channel. This content is geared towards City supporters, with a strong focus on the club’s perspective, pre‑match build‑up and post‑match reaction.

The City+ and YouTube coverage is presented by Liam Loftus, a familiar face from the club’s Matchday Live output. Loftus anchors the broadcast, linking interviews, analysis and fan interaction. On commentary, the main voice is Alistair Mann, an experienced football commentator who has worked for BBC Match of the Day and other broadcasters and has become closely associated with Manchester City’s official media. Alongside him is co‑commentator Steve Howey, the former Newcastle United and England defender who also spent time at Manchester City at the turn of the century. Howey’s top‑flight experience, particularly as a centre‑half, gives him a keen eye for defensive shape, set‑pieces and physical battles.

Joining the coverage as pundits are Steven McInerney and Matt Kerr, both of whom are well‑known to regular viewers of City’s digital content. McInerney, a supporter‑turned‑content‑creator, brings the perspective of a passionate fan who follows the club closely across all competitions, while Kerr provides measured analysis and tactical discussion. Their presence underlines how modern club media blends professional broadcasting with fan‑driven insight.

Supporters interested in the club’s official view of the match, as well as broader coverage of Manchester City’s season, can also explore the club’s digital platforms via the official Manchester City website, which integrates live updates, interviews and behind‑the‑scenes features.

International TV and streaming: ESPN, beIN, SuperSport and more

Although the tie is not listed on the main terrestrial UK TV channels in this schedule, it is widely available to overseas viewers through a range of broadcasters and streaming platforms, reflecting the global interest in both Manchester City and the FA Cup.

• ESPN Unlimited (US) & ESPN+ USA: In the United States, coverage is fronted by presenter Kay Murray. Murray is a seasoned football broadcaster who has previously worked for Real Madrid TV and beIN Sports, and is now a regular host on ESPN’s soccer coverage. She is joined by pundits Kasey Keller and Shaka Hislop, both former Premier League goalkeepers. Keller played for Leicester City, Tottenham and Fulham, as well as representing the United States at multiple World Cups, while Hislop is a former Newcastle United and West Ham United keeper who has long been part of ESPN’s football analysis team. On‑the‑ground reporting comes from Mark Ogden, a senior football writer and reporter who has covered the Premier League and European football for many years.
• beIN Sports MENA English 2 HD & beIN Connect New Zealand: In the Middle East and North Africa, and via digital platforms in New Zealand, beIN’s English‑language coverage grants fans access to the tie as part of the broadcaster’s extensive portfolio of European football rights. beIN is a major player in football broadcasting, with rights across multiple leagues and tournaments.
• Disney+ Brazil & Disney+ South America: In parts of South America, FA Cup rights are carried via Disney’s sports portfolio, with streaming access on Disney+ in Brazil and across the region. This reflects the strong interest in English football in South America, especially in clubs like Manchester City featuring South American stars.
• Stan Sport (Australia): Australian viewers can watch via Stan Sport, the streaming service which has invested heavily in football and rugby rights.
• SuperSport Premier League HD: Across much of sub‑Saharan Africa, SuperSport continues to act as the leading broadcaster for English football, including FA Cup rights. Its dedicated Premier League channel often carries selected domestic cup matches, and the inclusion of this tie underlines City’s pulling power on the continent.
• Sportsnet & Sportsnet+ Premium (Canada): Canadian viewers can watch the tie via Sportsnet’s linear channels or its Sportsnet+ Premium streaming service, with coverage integrated into its broader offering of Premier League and European football.
• Sony Sports TEN 2 India HD & SonyLIV: In India, the Sony Sports network and its SonyLIV streaming platform continue their long‑running association with English football coverage.
• Hub Sports 6 HD, Now Sports 652 and MONOMAX: Across parts of Asia, including Hong Kong and South‑East Asia (via MONOMAX in Thailand, Cambodia and Laos), regional broadcasters offer live coverage, demonstrating the FA Cup’s popularity across different time zones.
• Rush Sports 2 and Bluu App (Caribbean): Viewers in the Caribbean can access the match through Rush Sports and streaming on the Bluu App, including a specific listing for the Dominican Republic.

For fans keen to understand how global these rights have become, the Premier League’s international profile has helped raise the FA Cup’s visibility abroad. A detailed overview of Manchester City’s season and fixtures can also be found through competition‑focused resources such as ESPN’s Manchester City team page, which collates match schedules, statistics and news.

Club streaming and pay‑per‑view options

In addition to City+ and ESPN+, several other platforms carry the game as subscription or pay‑per‑view content. Recast: Manchester City lists the tie with Alistair Mann and Steve Howey on commentary, providing a flexible, match‑by‑match streaming option for supporters in territories where rights permit. Many of the international digital listings (marked with [$] or geo‑restrictions) indicate that local blackouts may apply, so fans are advised to check availability in their specific region.

talkSPORT: commercial radio and Robert Huth’s punditry

On commercial radio in the UK, talkSPORT continues its comprehensive coverage of the FA Cup. For this match, the station lists former Premier League defender Robert Huth as a pundit, with John Dunn reporting. Huth is a three‑time Premier League winner, having lifted the title with Chelsea and later famously with Leicester City in their 2015–16 fairy‑tale season. His experience of English football’s physical and mental demands, as well as his history in big‑occasion matches, makes him a valuable voice on potential cup upsets and how top sides handle lower‑league opposition.

Dunn, a seasoned football reporter, provides live updates, interviews and reaction, fitting the talkSPORT style of energetic, debate‑driven football coverage that appeals to fans who enjoy opinionated analysis and interaction via phone‑ins and social media.

Why the commentary teams matter for fans

For many supporters, especially neutrals or those watching their first Exeter City game, the commentators and pundits play a huge role in shaping the viewing experience. Recognisable voices like Alistair Mann, established analysts such as René Meulensteen, ex‑players like Steve Howey, Kasey Keller, Shaka Hislop and Robert Huth, and local experts like Alan Tonge help contextualise what is happening on the pitch.

In a tie where a heavily fancied Manchester City side are expected to dominate possession and chances, the analysis often focuses on how Exeter set up defensively, whether they can make the most of set‑pieces or counter‑attacks, and how City’s rotated XI performs. Pundits with coaching backgrounds, like Meulensteen, tend to highlight tactical patterns and training‑ground details, while former defenders and goalkeepers bring a specialist eye to individual duels and mistakes.

For Exeter fans, the regional voices on BBC Radio Devon or BBC Spotlight provide the emotional heartbeat of the occasion; for City fans, club media through City+ and YouTube delivers behind‑the‑scenes access and a sympathetic slant. International viewers, meanwhile, may gravitate towards ESPN, beIN or SuperSport for coverage framed within their own football culture and time zone.

With such a wide range of options, from BBC radio and regional TV through to global streaming services and club channels, the FA Cup tie between Manchester City and Exeter City is not just a meeting of two clubs from different ends of the English pyramid – it is also a showcase of the modern broadcasting ecosystem that surrounds top‑level football.