Newcastle United are one win away from a trip to Wembley. And in only our second FA Cup quarter final in years.
Even the thought of saying that during our horrid run in December would have been laughed out of your own head, but here we are.
It was always going to be City away wasn’t it? But, quarter final-draw talk aside, this match will provide the Toon with the chance to grab only a second win at the Etihad in over 24 years.
Our only win at City in that period, 2014, came in a cup competition too and our team that day featured the likes of Jack Colback, Adam Armstrong, Rolando Aarons (who scored) and Emmanuel Riviere off the bench.
Records are there to be broken and Eddie Howe’s Mags come into the game looking to set the record straight after a poor showing away to Chelsea in the league last time out.
Howe has set his sights on Wembley once again and did not show his typical restraint in his pre-match press conference.
“From minute one in the FA Cup, that was our aim [to return to Wembley],” he said. “We’ve done everything we can and navigated tough games. We’ve managed to find a way to the quarter-finals and don’t want to waste this opportunity.”
The Magpies’ boss also said he was looking to “attack” City from the off and take the game to them. “We’ll have a right go. We’ll attack it and we’ll try to progress into the next round. We can do it. I’ve got no doubt about that,” Howe said.
Some fans had questioned his tactical decisions against Chelsea after he moved away from the counter-attacking style that garnered so much success in the previous game against Wolves.
“Of course we have to get our game plan right and execute it to the highest level but we go there in a positive mood.”
Team news
Anthony Gordon was named in the England squad and has trained this week after dodging a serious injury against Chelsea. He could be in contention to start against City.
Harvey Barnes (hamstring) will miss out once again but should be back for the West Ham game. Kieran Trippier is also absent due to a calf injury.
Howe also revealed that Sean Longstaff has been playing through pain and could require injections in his foot. He is likely to be involved in the squad though. Nick Pope won’t return until late April. Wilson and Joelinton are both out long-term.
For City, Ederson and Jack Grealish have been joined on the treatment table by Kevin De Bruyne who withdrew from the Belgium squad because of a groin problem. All three will miss the FA Cup QF tie.
Predicted line-up: Dubravka – Livramento, Schar, Botman, Burn – Bruno, Longstaff, Willock – Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
There may be a world in which Lewis Hall comes in at left back, but the comments from Howe on going for it are an indication that this will be a familiar line-up.
The issue for me is whether Longstaff should start after the admission from Howe that he has been playing through an injury. In that scenario I would prefer to start with Lewis Miley, but I believe Howe will select Longstaff.
Almiron might be kept in reserve in order to manage Gordon’s minutes given Murphy’s capability of deputising. He scored a brilliant goal at Chelsea on Monday and deserves to return to the starting line-up.
Prediction: Man City 1 – 2 Newcastle
You have to be bold and believe. If we can beat City away with Riviere we can beat them away now. Back to Wembley; finish the job we started last season.
Tell me ma’, me ma’.
Barnes out for 4 weeks with hamstring injury any more bad news ffs
icedog(Quote)
I’m beginning to wish we’d pushed harder for Maddison instead of Barnes. Barnes has played about 3 games all season. 😡
Gilly Toon(Quote)
So with all of the financial restrictions our summer signings of Barnes (missing all season with injury), Tonali (banned all season) and Lewis Hall (unwanted by the manager) – over £100m!!.
That NEEDS analysing because that can not happen again this summer.
Sharpy17(Quote)
😂 I’ve just realised that score prediction is 2-1 in our favour?!?!!
I was about to say we’d have to be at our best to keep it down to a 2-1 defeat … but a 2-1 win?!?!!.
It’s a one off cup game so yes anything can happen – but on current form I just don’t see it I’m afraid.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Agree sharpy, awful and cannot be repeated.
kimtoon(Quote)
Can’t see us getting a result today tbh.
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim – it’s the myth that Ashworth is some sort of genius – these transfers happened on his watch. The other involved was Nickson – the person touted for promotion to replace Ashworth 🤦🏼♂️.
Sharpy17(Quote)
So El Tel’s Christmas tree
premandup(Quote)
Livramento out injured. 🙄😳. You just cannot make it up. We are going 5 at the back today. Murphy and Burn as wingbacks. Interesting. I hope longstaff decides to play rather than take an afternoon run. I still think we will get beat.
Coventry through though against Wolves. 😳😳
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Yes mate, hopefully who ever replaces him does better.
HWTL
kimtoon(Quote)
Unbelievable! Shocking! Poor ref too. Never a yellow for Schar.
No chance now. We gifted them two goals. 😡😡😡. What’s up with Willock? He’s been *****. So has Longstaff.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
I know he’s been forced into it with Tino out – but he could have went 4 at the back with Krafth RB – so I’m going to credit Howe for trying something different.
What doesn’t help is half arsed defending!! 😡
Absolute disgrace players turning their back on the ball – Burn for the first as he dangles a lazy leg out.
Then Botman bottles the header!! Either put your head on the line & clear it or get out the way for the keeper to save it!!.
The players have been there to give Dubravka that extra protection – they’ve just been really half arsed in their efforts.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Total lack of quality.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Awful. Season over now
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Season over? We’re three points from Europe!
Olly Hawkins(Quote)