Manchester City will host Newcastle United in the FA Cup on Saturday. The Citizens defeated Luton Town 6-2 in the fifth round thanks to five goals from Erling Haaland. The Magpies needed penalties to defeat Blackburn Rovers, a Championship team.
Preview (Manchester City vs. Newcastle United)
It is safe to say that the final Premier League match between Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola lived up to expectations. Last Sunday’s thrilling 1-1 tie at Anfield between Man City and Liverpool, two of the biggest teams in the English game, produced another masterpiece. After a well-executed corner routine by Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones gave the Citizens a well-earned lead. However, Liverpool came storming back after the break. They quickly tied the score with an Alexis Mac Allister penalty.
With ten games remaining, Man City sits one point behind second-place Liverpool and new leaders Arsenal in third place. Both teams, especially Liverpool, had opportunities to secure a significant victory. Guardiola is optimistic going into the home stretch for Man City after watching his team extend their winning streak across all competitions to 21 games. He says his team “is still there” in the title race. Victory over Newcastle this weekend in the FA Cup will help them in their quest for a treble.
Man City is attempting to make history by being the first side in the competition’s history to reach a sixth consecutive semi-final. Since the beginning of the previous season, the team has won each of its last nine FA Cup matches. Newcastle has had mixed results in the Premier League after defeating Blackburn in the FA Cup fifth round at the end of February. On Monday, they lost 3-2 away to Chelsea after winning 3-0 at home against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea scored the game’s first goal. Goals from Cole Palmer and Mykhaylo Mudryk in the second half. Coupled with careless Magpie’s defence, put the Blues back in charge. Alexander Isak’s incredible shot cancelled out Jackson’s early goal.
Team News
Playmaker Kevin De Bruyne is nursing a groyne issue. He has been left out of the Belgium team ahead of the international break. It is a further injury blow to Man City. Due to a groyne injury, Jack Grealish is still out. Goalkeeper Ederson might miss up to four weeks of action due to a muscle injury. He got it when he fouled Nunez during last weekend’s tie with Liverpool.
Howe is optimistic that Burn has not suffered a serious injury, although Murphy, Isak, and Miguel Almiron will probably start in attack due to Gordon’s probable absence. If necessary, Valentin Livramento or Matt Targett could be called upon to start at left-back. Harvey Barnes, who was left off the matchday squad the last time out, is expected to miss more time due to a hamstring injury. The other players who are not available for selection are Joe White (cup-tied), Kieran Trippier (calf), Nick Pope (shoulder), Callum Wilson (pectoral), Joelinton (thigh), and Sandro Tonali (suspended).
Manchester City 3-1 Newcastle United
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