FA Cup holders Manchester City welcome Newcastle to the Etihad this weekend as they look to keep the dream of an unprecedented double-treble alive.
Key Takeaways
- Man City haven't lost a game for over three months
- Newcastle have won just one of their last five in all competitions
- City have won eight of the last ten meetings between the two sides
Both teams have had almost a full week to rest before going into this crucial game. Many thought Pep Guardiola's Man City side might take their foot off the gas this season, given their exploits in the last campaign, but that seems to have just been wishful thinking. City remain favourites to win all three of the big trophies they are in once again, but Eddie Howe's Newcastle side will be ready to give everything as this is, in all likelihood, their last chance at securing a place in Europe for next season.
Manchester City Form
City are in their typical second-half-of-season flow, having not tasted defeat since losing to Aston Villa more than three months ago. They come into this game on the back of an enthralling 1-1 draw with title rivals Liverpool, a result which ended a run of five straight victories.
Newcastle United Form
Eddie Howe has failed to replicate the outstanding results he achieved with Newcastle last season. Plagued by injuries, The Magpies have been inconsistent all season and, having qualified for the Champions League last term, are looking at an outside shot for a Europa Conference League spot as their most realistic route into Europe.
However, if they could navigate the three remaining ties in this competition and win the FA Cup, they would qualify for the Europa League. This game is massive for the visitors, but they will need to be better than the one win they have recorded in their last five.
Head-to-Head
As is the case with almost every side which encounters Guardiola's juggernaut, Man City have an outstanding record against their opponents this weekend. They've won eight of their last ten meetings with The Magpies in all competitions.
Team News
Pep Guardiola has confirmed two huge injury absences in his camp. As was feared at the time, the injury which Ederson picked up against Liverpool will rule him out for some time. Stefan Ortega will now be in sticks for City for some of the biggest games of their campaign, including this clash with Newcastle. What's more, playmaker extraordinaire Kevin De Bruyne has picked up a groin issue and will also be out for this one.
Eddie Howe, as he has done all season, has injuries of his own to worry about. Harvey Barnes' hamstring injury will not be dealt with in time for this crucial match. He joins other long-term key absences Kieran Trippier, Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, Nick Pope and Callum Wilson on the sidelines.
Key Players
When City play, Erling Haaland is always the key threat. Aside from that, it's a lottery as to which of his bag of riches Pep Guardiola chooses to deploy. The likes of Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez are all world-class talents capable of supporting the big man in the final third.
A depleted, but still talented, Newcastle lineup will probably rely on the midfield spark of Bruno Guimaraes to unlock the City defence and hope that star striker Alexander Isak takes any chances he may be fortunate enough to receive.
Final Thoughts
This should be a captivating tie and arguably the pick of the FA Cup quarter-finals. There were goals when the two last met in January at St. James' Park. City ran out 3-2 winners on that occasion. Both teams like to play on the front foot with exciting wide players and creative midfielders. Both coaches are very forward-thinking. This has all the hallmarks of a high-energy, high-scoring encounter.
FA Cup
UEFA Champions League