Newcastle United host Manchester City on Sunday at St James’ Park in the FA Cup Quarter-Finals, kick-off at 18:30 PM.
The Magpies have scraped their way through previous rounds having beaten both League One Rochdale United and Oxford City, after second leg replays, to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in 14 years.
City, on the other hand, have eased their way past Port Vale, Fulham and Sheffield Wednesday to earn a place in the last eight.
Steve Bruce will be looking to win the FA Cup with Newcastle after a 65-year wait but Guardiola and his formidable side will be favourites to reach the last four.
Team News
Sergio Aguero will be out for a lengthy period following his knee surgery Wednesday; he hobbled off against Burnley earlier this week.
John Stones may be a doubt and Eric Garcia will still be recovering from his concussion against Arsenal. Fernandinho will be suspended after his red card against Chelsea on Thursday night.
Isaac Hayden and Matt Ritchie both suffered soft tissue damage during Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on Wednesday, leaving them highly doubtful for this clash.
Matty Longstaff returned to training this week but, like his brother Sean, Sunday comes too soon for him to be involved.
Florian Lejeune and Ciaran Clarke add to Bruce’s injury woes.
Previous Meetings
Newcastle 2-2 Man City 30/11/19
Newcastle 2-1 Man City 29/1/19
Man City 2-1 Newcastle 1/9/18
Man City 3-1 Newcastle 20/1/18
Newcastle 0-1 Man City 27/12/17
Prediction
Despite having not won their two previous visits to St James’ Park, I expect City to come out on top. Newcastle are bound to struggle without the tenacious energy of Hayden and Ritchie.
Having already won the League Cup, Guardiola’s side will be looking to retain their FA Cup and do the domestic cup double.
Newcastle will still pose a threat. However, if City field a strong side, which Guardiola is set to do, I can see them strolling to victory and ending Bruce’s cup run.
Match Preview written by Jon Bazley.
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