90 minutes and Man City stand in Newcastle’s way to Wembley

Newcastle United will look to upset Manchester City when they meet in the FA Cup quarter final tomorrow.

Newcastle United are essentially safe in the Premier League with 39 points and seven games remaining. As a result, their full attention since Thursday’s training sessions have been focused on the FA Cup.

The Magpies will not have it easy on Sunday as they travel to the Etihad to take on the defending FA Cup champions Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s men were defeated by Chelsea on Thursday and he will hope his players bounce back in a big way against Newcastle United.

Manchester City will be without Sergio Aguero (injured) and Fernandinho (suspended). Phil Foden and John Stones were not fit for the Chelsea clash, but they are being monitored ahead of Sunday’s cup game. Despite this news, Newcastle United know they are still major underdogs that need to give it their all in order to have a shot at winning.

Surprisingly, Newcastle United have scored more goals than any other Premier League team still in the tournament (11), but Manchester City’s defense will present a unique challenge.

Miguel Almiron has found the back of the net four times in the tournament, and Steve Bruce will be hoping the Paraguayan is in top form once again.

Isaac Hayden and Matt Ritchie both picked up soft tissue injuries in the last game against Aston Villa, so it remains to be seen who will replace them.

Both teams are adjusting to an accelerated Premier League schedule and fatigue is a major concern, but there is no doubt that strong lineups will be deployed by both teams.

Manchester City thrashed Arsenal and Burnley by a combined goal difference of eight to zero at the Etihad over the past week. There are concerns that Guardiola’s men could run wild on Newcastle United as well, especially after losing to Chelsea, but the Magpies understand the importance of this game.

The last five meetings between these clubs have been close encounters and Newcastle United even claimed one victory and a draw against Manchester City in recent meetings. Bruce has promoted attacking football as of late, but it is fair to expect a more defensive Newcastle United side that will look to hit City on the counter-attack.

Last year’s champions will dominate possession and do all they can to break the Magpies down. In order for Newcastle United to stand a decent chance, Martin Dubravka needs to be at his best, the back line must be aware of their surroundings for 90 minutes, and the dynamic duo of Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin need to orchestrate most attacks.

The beauty of the FA Cup is that anything can happen at this stage of the tournament. Manchester City are the favorites, but Newcastle United have been full of surprises against top teams this season.