FA Cup: Wembley Beckons for City or Toon

Manchester City vs Newcastle United

In more recent times, the FA Cup quarter-finals have effectively meant participants are just one game away from Wembley (since 2008, the semi-finals have been held there, in addition to the actual final).

That is a scenario myself and many others oppose – in fact, only a few weeks ago the matter was unsuccessfully tabled for discussion in Parliament.

But that an issue is for another day.

The reality is eight sides this weekend are one victory away from a visit to the National Stadium and there will be a real eagerness to deliver FA Cup highlights.

Talking Points

The Etihad Stadum on Saturday teatime will be no exception when Manchester City host Newcastle United – the fourth time the sides will have met this term.

Two clubs who have benefited from billionaire owners (once since 2008, the other for little over two years), yet at this moment in time, there is a distinct gulf between the two squads.

City are fighting on three fronts in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup – the treble they won last season.

For Newcastle, who finished fourth and made great strides last term, the reality is somewhat different.

They are currently 10^th in the league and have a list of absences which strays beyond just a bit of bad luck.

Even on Monday night, in a 3-2 league defeat at Chelsea, manager Eddie Howe was left to lament the loss of Anthony Gordon and Dan Burn to add to a plethora of players on the sidelines which already includes skipper Kieran Trippier, fellow England man Callum Wilson, Joelinton, Harvey Barnes and goalkeeper Nick Pope.

City, meanwhile, are missing an England man of their own in Jack Grealish and goalkeeper Ederson has been ruled out for up to four weeks.

That aside, they should be at full strength with Stefan Ortega, who often deputises in the FA Cup, between the sticks.

There are reports Kevin De Bruyne has been ruled out of the game but that has not been confirmed.

The last team to eliminate City from both domestic cups in the same season was Tottenham in 1992-93. It’s hard to see the Geordies repeating that feat.

History

Overall, Newcastle have beaten City 73 times, just four behind their 77 victories, while there have been a further 41 draws.

City have won nine of the last 11 meetings, including a league double this season.

Julian Alvarez netted the only goal of the contest in August before the return on Tyneside in January was a thriller.

Indeed, it was a game which could prove the decisive moment in this season’s title race.

Youngster Oscar Bobb and de Bruyne were the heroes.

Bobb scored a stoppage time winner, while de Bruyne inspired the comeback after returning as a second half substitute, following four months’ out, with Newcastle 2-1 in front.

After Bernardo Siva fired City ahead, two goals in three minutes from Alexander Isak and Gordon had the home fans in raptures.

The introduction of De Bruyne midway through the second half then paid dividends.

He equalised within five minutes of arriving before setting up the winner for Bobb who, himself, had only entered the fray a short time earlier.

Newcastle did enjoy a League Cup third round victory over City in September when Isak scored the only goal of the game.

The last time they met in the FA Cup was a quarter-final in 2020 when a De Bruyne penalty and Raheem Sterling goal ensured City ran out 2-0 winners.

The last time Newcastle won at City was in the League Cup in 2014 when Rolando Aarons and Moussa Sissoko scored in a 2-0 win.

Betting Tip

With City on great form and Newcastle beset by injuries, how can you back against the holders?

Well judging by the SBOTOP FA Cup betting odds, you cannot.

City are priced 1X2 @ 1.27 and Asian Handicap -1.75 @ 2.04, compared to the Toon 1X2 @ 7.60 and Asian Handicap + 1.50 @ 2.06.

The draw is on offer @ 5.30, although the tie has to be settled on the night.

For goals aplenty, how about Over 3.25 @ 1.98 or Total Goals 4-6 @ 2.39, although there are tasty odds with Total Goal 0-1 @ 5.50 and 2-3 @ 2.18.

City won this fixture 1-0 on the second weekend of the season and a repeat is available @ 9.20 with Correct Score.

I cannot see past a handsome City win against opponents who pushed them close on Tyneside in January but, generally, have been hampered by absences for most of the campaign.

 

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