All eyes of British football fans are now on the much-awaited showdown between Manchester City and hosts Newcastle United in the FA Cup Final Round 16 tomorrow (Saturday) from 11pm. This will be the fifth time the two have faced off in just three and a half months this season in various competitions.
The two teams faced each other in the English Premier League on November 27 last year, with Newcastle winning 2-1 at St James’ Park, where tomorrow’s match will take place, before meeting again at the same stadium on January 13 in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final, which Manchester City won 2-0.In the return match at home (Al Ittihad) Stadium on February 4, City repeated their dominance with a 3-1 win and returned to confirm their place in the standings. They won 2-0 in their return game to the league at the same stadium. 21st of the same month.
But Newcastle are thrilled with a dramatic 2-1 win over guests Manchester United thanks to substitute William Osla’s stoppage-time goal, and will be hoping to use the momentum from the game to move past hosts Manchester City. Newcastle’s win over United ended caretaker manager Michael Carrick’s unbeaten run at eight games.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said he needed to boost his team’s morale with important matches coming up, including the Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona. “The sending off of a player was probably what turned the game into a historic win for us. Even with 10 players you should try to cause problems for the opponent. “I think we did that,” he said. The defeat left Manchester United with just 51 points, ahead of Aston Villa in fourth place on goal difference, while Newcastle moved up to 12th place, one point behind rivals Sunderland.
