Match Preview
On March 7, 2026, Newcastle United will host Manchester City at St James’ Park for the FA Cup fifth round. The match is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. GMT local time in the UK, with coverage available on TNT Sports 1.
Newcastle enters this fixture on the back of a 2-1 victory against Manchester United in the Premier League, which may provide them with a boost of confidence. Coach Eddie Howe has made four changes to the lineup, with William Osula earning a starting spot.
In contrast, Manchester City has opted for a different approach, making ten changes to their squad for this FA Cup tie. Notably, Erling Haaland has been rested, indicating a strategic decision to manage player fitness amid a busy schedule.
Jacob Ramsey will be absent for Newcastle due to suspension, which could impact their midfield dynamics. Historically, Newcastle has fared well in the FA Cup fifth round, having progressed from nine of their last ten ties.
Manchester City, on the other hand, boasts an impressive record in the FA Cup, winning 18 of their last 20 matches in the competition. This includes a strong performance in previous rounds, showcasing their depth and experience.
In their last encounter at St James’ Park in November, Newcastle emerged victorious, but they have since lost the last three meetings against City. This adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming match, as both teams will be eager to assert their dominance.
The expected lineup for Newcastle features Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Willock, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes. Meanwhile, Manchester City’s anticipated lineup includes Trafford; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, Ait-Nouri; Gonzalez, O’Reilly; Semenyo, Cherki; Doku, Marmoush.
As both teams juggle Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup commitments, the outcome of this match could have significant implications for their respective campaigns. Newcastle may draw encouragement from their recent form, while City will aim to maintain their strong FA Cup performance.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the lineups or strategies as the match approaches.
