Facing defending champions Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals was undoubtedly not the news Newcastle manager Eddie Howe wanted to hear.
This draw sets up the fourth encounter between the two sides this season, presenting a significant challenge for Howe and his team. With Manchester City’s formidable form and status as last year’s treble winners, Newcastle United will need to summon all their determination and tactical prowess to stand a chance against the reigning champions.
Just a day after Newcastle’s hard-fought penalty shootout victory over Championship side Blackburn Rovers, the FA Cup quarter-final draw unfolded, revealing that the Magpies would face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on March 16.
This quick turnaround sets the stage for an intense clash between the two teams, with Newcastle seeking to build on their recent success and Manchester City aiming to continue their quest for silverware in the prestigious tournament.
Manchester City are vying for a second consecutive treble, having progressed to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, Champions League, and currently sitting second in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Newcastle, who secured a fourth-place finish last season, are grappling with injuries and inconsistent form this term.
Currently positioned 10th in the table with 37 points, they trail fourth-placed Aston Villa by 15 points and are not in the optimal condition to face Pep Guardiola’s formidable side at their home ground. This presents the Toon’s final viable opportunity to clinch a trophy, with their last triumph dating back to 1955.
How Eddie Howe nearly had a car crash
‘It’s not the draw we wanted that’s for sure’ – Howe as quoted by BBC sport
Is there a tougher FA Cup quarter-final draw than Manchester City away?
Newcastle will face the seven-time winners and reigning champions for a place in the semi-final at Wembley and boss Eddie Howe knows exactly how “difficult” that promises to be.
“I was driving at the time and nearly swerved off the road!” he said. “It’s not the draw we wanted that’s for sure.
“No one wants to play Man City four times in a season, but I believe we can beat anybody when we’re playing at our best.”
Newcastle have lost both league games against Pep Guardiola‘s side this season but did overcome them in the third round of the Carabao Cup at St James’ Park in September.
In fact, that is the sole time City have been knocked out of a competition since autumn 2022.
“When you have time to analyse things you realise to win the FA Cup you have to beat Man City at some stage in the competition,” added Howe.
“It’s sooner than we’d have liked but we have to give everything to try and win. It will be difficult but we can do it.
“That feeling that everyone is against us [to win] I want us to use it positively. We’re still in it and we will fight to be in it until the end.”
Howe said the return of Elliot Anderson, Joe Willock, Alexander Isak and Sven Botman from injury has given his team a boost.
“At one point we only had 14 or 15 players in the training group, now we have just over 20, so the whole group has been lifted by that. The challenge now is to get them all back to fitness as quickly as possible,” he said.
“Alex Isak will get there with every game he plays. with Joe, we are trying to nurse him back to full fitness. That will be difficult considering the time he has been out.
“Sven is looking good, we just felt that he would benefit more from training than playing in midweek. we could see him tomorrow,” he added.
