| Manchester City vs Newcastle | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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Manchester City vs Newcastle
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COMPETITION :
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FA Cup
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| DATE: |
08 - 03 - 2026
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TIME:
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01.30 AM IST
12.00 AM UAE
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STADIUM
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Stadium |
Newcastle vs Manchester City Preview, Prediction, Team News & Lineups | FA Cup 2025-26
The FA Cup fifth round delivers a blockbuster clash as Newcastle United host Manchester City at St James’ Park. Two of England’s strongest sides meet with a place in the quarter-finals at stake, promising an intense and entertaining encounter.
Newcastle head into the fixture boosted by a dramatic midweek victory over Manchester United, while Manchester City will be eager to bounce back after dropping points in the Premier League.
With both clubs also competing in Europe and domestic competitions, squad rotation and fatigue could play a role in what should be a fascinating FA Cup tie.
Match Details
Match: Newcastle United vs Manchester City
Competition: FA Cup 2025-26 – Fifth Round
Venue: St James' Park
Date: March 2026
Kick-off: TBA
Round: Fifth Round (Round of 16)
Newcastle United Preview
Newcastle United finally ended a difficult run at home in the Premier League with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Manchester United earlier this week.
The Magpies showed tremendous resilience, playing the entire second half with 10 men after Jacob Ramsey received a controversial red card. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Eddie Howe’s side refused to back down.
Anthony Gordon initially put Newcastle ahead from the penalty spot before Casemiro equalized deep into first-half stoppage time. However, substitute Will Osula produced a dramatic moment in the 90th minute, scoring his first goal since September to secure three crucial points.
The victory helped lift morale at St James’ Park, but Newcastle still have work to do. They currently sit 12th in the Premier League table, nine points behind the top six with nine league games remaining.
Eddie Howe’s squad are juggling multiple objectives this season:
Push for European qualification
Compete in the Champions League knockout stages
Progress deep in the FA Cup
Newcastle also experienced disappointment earlier this year after failing to defend their EFL Cup title, suffering a 5-1 aggregate defeat to Manchester City in the semi-finals.
That defeat still lingers in the background, meaning the Magpies will be eager to respond when they meet Pep Guardiola’s side again.
Manchester City Preview
Unlike their upcoming opponents, Manchester City did not enjoy a perfect midweek result.
Pep Guardiola’s side were held to a 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest, with former City academy player Elliot Anderson scoring a late equaliser in the 76th minute.
The dropped points were significant in the Premier League title race, leaving City seven points behind leaders Arsenal. Although they still have a game in hand, momentum may now be shifting toward Mikel Arteta’s side.
However, Manchester City remain one of the most dangerous teams in Europe and will soon turn their attention to a massive Champions League last-16 clash with Real Madrid.
Before that European showdown, City must navigate a difficult FA Cup tie at St James’ Park.
Historically, the Citizens have been extremely dominant in this competition in recent years.
Across the last four seasons, Manchester City have:
Won 18 of their last 20 FA Cup matches
Reached multiple finals
Lost only in the 2024 and 2025 finals
Guardiola’s team have also been devastating in early-round FA Cup matches. Since losing to Wigan Athletic in the 2017-18 fifth round, City have won 23 consecutive FA Cup matches in rounds three to five with an astonishing aggregate score of 89-11.
That statistic highlights just how dominant the Citizens have been in the competition.
Head-to-Head in the FA Cup
This will be the 11th FA Cup meeting between Newcastle United and Manchester City.
Recent history slightly favours City, who progressed from the last two FA Cup meetings between the clubs:
2019-20 Quarter-Final: Man City win
2023-24 Quarter-Final: Man City win
However, Newcastle fans will remember historic FA Cup victories over the Citizens in:
1994-95
2001-02
Interestingly, City have only progressed from two of their first eight FA Cup meetings with Newcastle, making this rivalry historically unpredictable in the competition.
FA Cup Form
Newcastle United FA Cup Form
W – W
Newcastle defeated fellow Premier League sides Bournemouth and Aston Villa to reach the fifth round.
Manchester City FA Cup Form
W – W
City comfortably progressed with wins over lower-league sides Exeter City (10-1) and Salford City (2-0).
Notably, Manchester City benefited from three own goals in those matches, equalling a Premier League record previously held by West Ham.
Recent Form (All Competitions)
Newcastle United:
W – W – L – W – L – W
Manchester City:
W – W – W – W – W – D
City remain unbeaten in their last six matches, while Newcastle have been slightly inconsistent.
Players to Watch
Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United)
Anthony Gordon has been one of Newcastle’s standout attacking players this season. His pace, direct dribbling, and ability to win penalties make him a constant threat.
He scored from the spot in the midweek victory over Manchester United and could once again be crucial for the Magpies in this high-profile cup clash.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Erling Haaland remains Manchester City’s ultimate goal-scoring weapon.
The Norwegian striker recently returned from a minor injury and played the full 90 minutes in the draw against Nottingham Forest. If he starts against Newcastle, the Magpies’ defence will have to deal with his physicality, pace, and lethal finishing.
Few strikers in world football are as dangerous inside the penalty area.
Team News
Newcastle United
Newcastle will be without several key players due to suspension and injury.
Unavailable:
Jacob Ramsey – suspended
Bruno Guimarães – hamstring injury
Fabian Schär – ankle injury
Emil Krafth – knee injury
Lewis Miley – thigh injury
Additionally, Tino Livramento remains doubtful with a hamstring problem.
Sandro Tonali’s fitness will be assessed after playing heavy minutes recently, while Nick Woltemade could return after missing the midweek match due to illness.
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola also has a few injury concerns.
Unavailable:
Joško Gvardiol – tibial fracture
Mateo Kovačić – ankle/heel injury
Young midfielder Nico O’Reilly is also a doubt after suffering a knock in the win against Leeds.
With the Champions League match against Real Madrid approaching, Guardiola may rotate his squad.
Players who could return to the lineup include:
John Stones
Rico Lewis
James Trafford
Abdukodir Khusanov
Meanwhile, attacking options like Jeremy Doku, Savinho, and Omar Marmoush are pushing for starts.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle United (4-3-3)
Pope
Trippier – Botman – Burn – Targett
Tonali – Longstaff – Joelinton
Gordon – Wissa – Barnes
Manchester City (4-3-3)
Trafford
Lewis – Stones – Dias – Ake
Reijnders – Gonzalez – Bernardo Silva
Doku – Haaland – Savinho
Match Prediction
This FA Cup clash could be one of the most exciting ties of the round.
Newcastle will benefit from the passionate atmosphere at St James’ Park, which has often inspired strong performances in cup competitions.
However, Manchester City’s depth, experience, and tactical quality make them extremely difficult to beat.
Even with possible squad rotation, Guardiola’s team possesses enormous attacking power and has an exceptional FA Cup record in recent seasons.
Newcastle are capable of making it competitive, but City’s quality may ultimately prove decisive.
Manchester City are likely to edge a close contest and secure their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals.