The treble winners, Manchester City will host their Premier League counterparts, Newcastle United, to defend their FA Cup title in the Quarter-finals at Etihad Stadium tonight.
Pep Guardiola and his boys remain in contention to retain all three trophies from the previous season, with a trip to Wembley high on their priority list to reclaim the title in the oldest football competition in the world. In their latest league outing, the season’s biggest tie against Liverpool last Sunday, they managed to secure a single point in a 1-1 draw at Anfield.
The Magpies’ season hasn’t been as pleasant as the commendable campaign they enjoyed last season. Despite Eddie Howe’s charisma, the team has failed to meet the expectations set after their last successful stint. Struggling throughout the season, their recent league fixture ended in a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Chelsea. They will be looking to reignite their faltering campaign by attempting to knock out the reigning champions.
Earlier this season in September, Newcastle knocked Manchester City out of the Carabao Cup and aims to repeat the feat. However, at home, the Sky Blues have proven to be unbeatable, yet to lose a home game this season across all competitions. Thus, the odds favor the city. Nevertheless, it would be unwise to underestimate the visitors’ ability to secure favorable results.
When and Where?
Date: Saturday, 16 March, 2024.
Time: 5.30 pm BST.
Venue: Etihad stadium.
Match Officials
Referee: Simon Hooper.
Assistants: Adrian Holmes & Simon Long.
Fourth official: Craig Pawson.
VAR: Thomas Bramall.
Assistant VAR: Neil Davies & Jarred Gillet.
Team news
The hosts will miss the services of two vital cogs: Ederson, who has been sidelined for four weeks after suffering an injury during the Liverpool game, and Kevin De Bruyne, who picked up a fresh groin injury that rules out his participation. Meanwhile, Jack Grealish could make a return following his recovery.
The visitors’ season-long injury struggles continue to pose problems, potentially preventing Kieran Trippier, Nick Pope, Callum Wilson, and Joelinton from featuring in the game, as they are all undergoing treatment. However, Anthony Gordon, Dan Burn, and Lewis are expected to return to the pitch following their recent injury scares.
Tactical Analysis
Pep Guardiola is expected to revert to a 4-2-3-1 formation, introducing some changes to the starting eleven against Newcastle. Stefan Ortega is set to fill in for Ederson in goal, behind a defensive backline comprising Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, and Josko Gvardiol.
The midfield duties will be handled by the duo of Rodri and Kovacic, acting as a double pivot just behind a three-man midfield. Oscar Bobb will take the right flank, stepping in for Kevin De Bruyne, with Julian Alvarez in the center and Jeremy Doku on the left as wide midfielders. Erling Haaland will lead the line as the sole striker upfront.
Eddie Howe is expected to maintain a 4-3-3 attacking setup, aiming to capitalize on off-the-ball work and seize opportunities to hit City on the break. The lineup may see one possible change, with Martin Dubravka in goal. The defensive line features Fabian Schar and Sven Botman as the center-back pairing, flanked by Dan Burn and Tino Livramento as fullbacks.
In midfield, Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock will join Bruno Guimaraes in a three-man formation. The attacking trio is set to include Jacob Murphy on the left, starting ahead of Anthony Gordon, with Miguel Almiron on the right wing. Alexander Isak is expected to lead the line as the target man.
Key Players
Erling Haaland
The Norwegian international’s prolific scoring spree was on full display in their previous FA Cup outing against Luton Town in the fifth round, securing a 6-2 victory and notching up five goals to advance to the Quarter-final. He will aim to extend his scoring charts against the Magpies. Despite missing some fixtures due to injury, the 23-year-old has still managed to amass a tally of 29 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions.
Predicted Lineups
Man City predicted lineup vs Newcastle: Ortega; Walker, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Bobb, Alvarez, Doku; Haaland.
Newcastle predicted lineup vs Man City: Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Almiron.
The post Manchester City vs Newcastle United: Match Preview | FA Cup 2023/24 first appeared on Premier League News Now. Source - premierleaguenewsnow.com