Manchester City will host Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium later today in FA Cup quarter-final action. Ahead of the game, the FA Cup holders go in as short priced favourites. Despite this, Pep Guardiola’s side will have to be wary of a hungry and determined Newcastle outfit when they meet later today.
This season has been a disappointing one for Eddie Howe’s side. It began with promise off the back of their UEFA Champions League qualification last season. Injuries and a case of other teams catching up to Newcastle have seen them drop to 10th in the Premier League currently. They did pick up a famous win over PSG in the Champions League group stage before eventually bowing out valiantly in the early stages of the tournament. Eddie Howe’s side also went out of the Carabao Cup at the quarter-final stage with a penalty shootout loss to Chelsea. It has been a frustrating season thus far for the Magpies given their stunning campaign last season. But the FA Cup is their last chance of silverware this campaign. A hungry and determined Newcastle is certain to arrive at the Etihad Stadium later today.
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Newcastle did, however, eliminate Manchester City from the Carabao Cup with a 1-nil win at St. James Park earlier this season. An Alexander Isak strike was enough to see Eddie Howe’s side eliminate City from that particular competition earlier this season.
Despite a frustrating season for Newcastle, they will pose a threat to the FA Cup holders at the Etihad Stadium. Eddie Howe’s side does possess a threat at set pieces and on the break, which is something City will have to watch for when the two teams meet later today. Manchester City’s weakness against swift breaks was exploited by Newcastle in City’s 3-2 Premier League win at St. James Park in January. Goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, while spectacular, were both scored after Newcastle burst through City’s high defensive line. This threat will be ever present at the Etihad and must be one for Pep Guardiola’s side to guard against if they are to progress to the semi-final stage of this year’s FA Cup.
Despite a frustrating season for Newcastle, they will provide a stern test for Manchester City today. To continue their FA Cup defence, the holders must be prepared to face the best of the Magpies. If City are to book another Wembley trip, they must be at their best to see off Newcastle.
