The FA Cup holders, Manchester City, are gearing up to host fellow Premier League side Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium for an exciting quarter-final clash this Saturday evening.
In their previous round, Manchester City showed their strength as Erling Haaland netted an impressive five goals in their 6-2 victory over Luton Town. On the other hand, Newcastle United had a tougher time, needing penalties to secure a win against Championship team Blackburn Rovers.
Last Sunday's Premier League showdown between Manchester City and Liverpool was one for the books. John Stones put City ahead in the first half with a smartly executed corner routine by Kevin De Bruyne.
However, Liverpool bounced back strongly in the second half, equalizing with an Alexis Mac Allister penalty just after the restart. Despite both teams having opportunities to clinch a win, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving the title race wide open.
Manchester City's manager, Pep Guardiola, remains optimistic about their title chances and aims to continue their unbeaten streak, which now stands at 21 matches. Guardiola sees the FA Cup as another opportunity to strengthen their quest for silverware, especially against Newcastle, a team they've dominated in their home encounters.
Manchester City's FA Cup form has been formidable, winning their last nine ties by a combined scoreline of 31-3. They are eyeing a record sixth successive semi-final appearance in the competition. Meanwhile, Newcastle United, despite their mixed form in the Premier League, still harbor hopes of European qualification, sitting just three points behind seventh-placed West Ham United.
For Newcastle, winning a major trophy has been a distant dream since their 1955 FA Cup triumph. Their last appearance in the FA Cup semi-finals dates back to the 2004-05 season. However, they face a daunting task against Manchester City, having won only three of their last 37 meetings. Yet, Newcastle has shown they can upset City in cup competitions before, and they'll be aiming to repeat history in their quest for silverware.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Manchester City has received a fresh setback with news that their key playmaker, Kevin De Bruyne, is nursing a groin injury. As a result, he's been omitted from the Belgium squad for the upcoming international break.Manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that De Bruyne will miss Saturday's match, adding to City's injury concerns. Goalkeeper Ederson is also sidelined for up to four weeks due to a muscle problem sustained during last weekend's draw with Liverpool.
On a positive note for City, Jack Grealish is back in contention after recovering from a groin injury that kept him out of the last three games. Grealish will vie for a spot in the starting lineup alongside Jeremy Doku and Oscar Bobb, with Bobb notably scoring a crucial late winner in a previous encounter against Newcastle.
With Ederson out, Stefan Ortega is expected to step in as goalkeeper. There could also be defensive changes, with Ruben Dias, Rico Lewis, and Josko Gvardiol pushing for inclusion. In midfield, Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes are in contention to return.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is hopeful that winger Anthony Gordon will be fit to play after sustaining a knee injury in their recent match against Chelsea.
Defender Dan Burn is expected to be available despite being withdrawn with a knock. However, Harvey Barnes faces another spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury, joining a list of sidelined players including Kieran Trippier, Nick Pope, Callum Wilson, and Joelinton.
If Gordon isn't deemed fully fit to start, Jacob Murphy could be given a starting role alongside Alexander Isak and Miguel Almiron in attack. In defense, Matt Targett and Burn will compete for the left-back position, with Valentino Livramento operating on the right in the absence of Trippier.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Manchester City possible starting lineup:Ortega; Walker, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Bobb, Alvarez, Doku; Haaland
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:
Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Almiron
EXPERT PREDICTION
Manchester City 2-0 Newcastle United
While Newcastle shouldn't be completely dismissed, given their previous victory against City in the EFL Cup this season and their close match in a 1-0 Premier League loss at the Etihad in August, Guardiola's team is likely to overcome the Magpies. With City's prowess and ability to penetrate Newcastle's defense, they should secure their spot in the semi-finals.
