FA Cup: Sky Blues Plan to Assert Their Mastery of the Magpies

Newcastle United vs Manchester City 

Newcastle United and Manchester City will face off for the fourth and final time this season, as they convene at St. James’ Park on Saturday for their next FA Cup match. Both teams have made it this far, fresh from their wins against Aston Villa and Salford City in the previous round.

The Magpies and Sky Blues are coming off contrasting results yesterday in the Premier League. The former handed Michael Carrick his first loss as Red Devils manager at home, while the latter shared the spoils against Nottingham Forest in a four-goal affair, which could prove costly in their pursuit of first seed in the English top-flight standings.

With that said, the FA Cup presents the best opportunity for these two teams to win silverware this season, though Manchester City are also in the EFL Cup final against Arsenal. So, expect these two teams to go all-out in this compelling tie.

 

Talking Points

Gordon likely set for new role at Newcastle United

During Newcastle United’s 2-1 win over Manchester United, head coach Eddie Howe placed Anthony Gordon as their starting No. 9 alongside wingers Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga, and it worked to perfection. Despite being reduced to 10 men, the Magpies drew first blood, as Gordon drew a foul in the penalty area and converted the penalty.

Gordon has been so good for Newcastle United this season that he has been linked to a potential sensational transfer to Old Trafford, as Manchester United need to strengthen their left flank.

Casemiro scored the leveller right before halftime, but William Osula eventually scored the winner for the Magpies in stoppage time. With Nick Woltemade struggling to find form, don’t be surprised if Howe sticks with the same frontline against Manchester City because of the incredible pace it offers.

Besides Gordon, the Sky Blues must watch out for Barnes. The 28-year-old winger has been involved in five goals in seven FA Cup starts and leads all Newcastle United players in this season’s tournament for both shots (eight) and chances created (four).

Newcastle United could field the same starting XI they had against Manchester United, except for Jacob Ramsey, who was sent off for two yellows. Joe Willock will likely take his place in the starting XI.

 

Manchester City miss their versatile youngster

Manchester City were without Nico O’Reilly against Nottingham Forest due to an injury he sustained against Leeds United last week, and the team sorely missed the youngster on the left wing. Before he got injured, O’Reilly, who scored a brace in their previous meeting against Newcastle United, had been in superb form.

Phil Foden replaced O’Reilly against the Tricky Trees, and the Englishman failed to make an impact on the game. Foden could be relegated back to the bench against the Magpies this Saturday, as he has extended his barren run to 17 games without scoring.

In contrast, Antoine Semenyo has kicked on for the Sky Blues, having scored three goals in his last three games. 

 

History

As noted, Saturday marks the fourth meeting between Newcastle United and Manchester City this term, with the Sky Blues winning all three of their previous games. After winning 5-1 on aggregate in the EFL Cup semi-finals, Pep Guardiola’s men followed it up with a 2-1 win at the Etihad in their recent league encounter.

This weekend also marks the 11th FA Cup tie between these two teams. Manchester City have progressed from the last two in the quarter-finals in 2019-20 and 2023-24, having only progressed in two of the first eight ties against Newcastle United.

Manchester City are bidding to become the third team to eliminate Newcastle United from both the EFL and FA Cup in a season, alongside Wimbledon in 1987-88 and Arsenal in 2007-08.

 

Betting Tip

Unfortunately for Magpies supporters, the FA Cup 2026 odds have the Sky Blues beating their team for the fourth straight time on Saturday. Manchester City are 1.96 favourites, while Newcastle United are 3.19 underdogs, and a draw after 90 minutes is at 3.37 in the 1X2 market.

The past three encounters have given us goals, and we expect nothing different this weekend, as both teams can put up new FA Cup 2026 highlights. So, besides our recommended bet, SBOTOP bettors can also add Over 3.00 at 1.91, Over 3.25 at 2.19, and even Total Goal 4-6 at 2.64 to the parlay. Moreover, a Correct Score of 2-1 in favour of Manchester City – the result of their most recent matchup – is on offer at a tidy payday of 7.90.

   

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, X and Instagram.