The starting lineups are in as Manchester City take on Newcastle

Manchester City and Newcastle United have confirmed their starting XIs ahead of tonight’s FA Cup fifth round at St. James’ Park. Tonight’s match is the fifth meeting between the two teams this season. They have faced each other twice in the Premier League and in two matches in the Carabao Cup semi-final this season. City won three of those matches and Eddie Howe’s side won one of those encounters. Tonight’s match promises to be another exciting encounter. Both teams know each other well and will take the game away from their opponent. An FA Cup tie awaits at St. James’ Park.

Manchester City enter tonight’s match with several players potentially unavailable due to injury. Nico O’Reilly’s condition has improved after missing Manchester City’s 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest. Pep Guardiola has told the media that O’Reilly is feeling better after the ankle injury he suffered against Leeds. A decision on his availability will be made after City’s team training yesterday.

Advertisement

Josko Gvardiol remains out as he continues his recovery from a fractured tibia in his right leg. The Croatian international is not expected to return anytime soon. Pep Guardiola also revealed yesterday that Mateo Kovacic is improving his training as he attempts to return from an injury-interrupted season. Today’s match probably came too soon for Kovacic to return. Finally, Pep Guardiola also revealed that Rico Lewis is suffering from an ankle injury. It seems unlikely, based on Pep Guardiola’s assessment, that Lewis will feature in tonight’s game.

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola made ten changes to the starting line-up which drew with Nottingham Forest. Next are James Trafford, Abdukodir Khusanov, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Nico, Nico O’Reilly, Tijjani Reijnders, Savinho, Jeremy Doku and Omar Marmoush. Gianluigi Donnarumma, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo come down to the bench for tonight’s match. Erling Haaland is not in City’s squad for tonight’s match. It appears Haaland will be rested for the upcoming UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

Starting composition: James Trafford, Matheus Nunes, Abdukodir Khusanov, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Nico, Tijjani Reijnders, Nico O’Reilly, Savinho, Jeremy Doku, Omar Marmoush.

Substitutes: Donnarumma, Dias, Cherki, Guéhi, Rodri, Bernardo, Ait-Nouri, Semenyo, Foden.

Newcastle United