Following on from 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night, Manchester City return to action tonight. Up next for Pep Guardiola’s side is an FA Cup fifth-round tie against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park. Tonight’s match will be the fifth meeting of the season between the two teams, so they will both know the challenge that lies ahead. City have beaten Newcastle United three times this season, with Newcastle United winning the first meeting between the two teams this season in November.
Here is the latest Manchester City injury news and my predicted City starting lineup for tonight’s FA Cup tie.
Latest Manchester City injury news.
Josko Gvardiol will miss tonight’s match due to being out with a broken leg. Pep Guardiola told the media yesterday that the Croatian international is recovering well but Guardiola is unsure when he will return to the pitch.
It was also revealed by Guardiola that Mateo Kovacic continues to train in his comeback bid. Guardiola added that while Kovacic is training, he needs time to return to full fitness. It was also revealed by the City manager that Rico Lewis has been sidelined with an ankle injury. He told the media that Lewis’ ankle is swollen, but he is getting close to a return to the pitch.
Lastly, Pep Guardiola revealed that Nico O’Reilly is feeling better. The England international missed Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest due to the ankle injury he sustained against Leeds. A decision on O’Reilly’s availability for tonight’s match was set to be made after the City squad trained yesterday.
Predicted City starting lineup.
I always thought it a load of rubbish when Wirtz claimed he would not join City as Pep would not guarantee being here for the next 5 years (I doubt Slot will!). It is however good for the Club, Players, Recruiting and the Fans to end uncertainces and I think most were made up by the media and our jealous rivals which were started when Maresca was sacked and accused by Chelsea of coming to the Etihad to discuss future jobs here. Pep has always said he will at least see out his contract and clearly his relationship with senior management is the soundest in the PL and maybe the entire football world. I will happily drink to another few years (as long as he doesn’t go experimenting at the wrong time like Porto in 2021)