November 22, 2024

If Newcastle United defeats the greatest team in the world on Saturday, they will be able to schedule another trip to Wembley.

This weekend, the Magpies take on Manchester City in the FA Cup quarterfinal in an attempt to make it to the championship game for the first time since 2005.

It is going to be a big ask, and pundits such as Paul Merson and Chris Sutton are both backing Man City to progress to the FA Cup semi finals over Newcastle.

Against Manchester City, Sean Longstaff starts in the midfield.
Sean Longstaff, a midfielder for Newcastle United, has been having difficulty lately as he plays with an injury.

Lewis Miley has an excellent opportunity to rejoin the team in this game, in my opinion, but I wouldn’t be shocked if Howe thinks the same way.

Actually, it appears more likely that Miley will be substituted, with Howe choosing to continue playing the seasoned 26-year-old with Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock.

Anthony Gordon sitting on the sidelines for Newcastle
Anthony Gordon is at the center of the major choice that Howe must make.

The 23-year-old was initially doubtful due to an injury, but it looks like he is recovered from the knee problem that kept him out of Monday’s match against Chelsea.

He wants to play at the Etihad Stadium, and I believe he will, if initially only as a substitute. In that scenario, Gordon would be sent to the bench and Jacob Murphy would start in his stead.

Gordon could be better served being held in reserve for the latter parts of the game, when he can ideally make an impact off the bench, considering the scare he had on Monday.

Predicted XI vs Man City: Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Bruno, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Almiron.

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