Newcastle Ready To Challenge Manchester City In FA Cup Quarter-Finals

Newcastle coach Eddie Howe has stated that his team is not afraid to face defending champions Manchester City, (photo: Doc. between)

JAKARTA - Newcastle coach Eddie Howe stated that his team was not afraid to face defending champions Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Sunday, March 17 in the morning WIB.

Howe emphasized the importance of properly drafting a game plan and giving his best to qualify for the next round. Despite realizing City's superiority, Howe believes that Newcastle will be able to stop The Citizens' game.

"We have to properly draw up our game plans, execute them at the highest level and maybe also need a bit of luck. We'll go there in a positive mood and give our best," Howe said.

In the previous match, Newcastle managed to win once in three meetings with Manchester City this season. Nonetheless, Howe admits that his team has studied City's game in depth and is ready to face tough challenges at the Etihad.

High expectations came from Newcastle's camp, especially after their previous win. The players are prepared intensively and expected to perform optimally to achieve positive results. With high enthusiasm, Newcastle hopes to create a surprise in this FA Cup event.

"I've watched all the latest (City) games in depth, which has always been a very interesting thing because you understand how good the game is when you watch it on a forensic basis," Howe said.

"The way they play is very unique and they have the best manager ever and elite players," he said.

Manchester City Without Ederson And De Bruyne

Meanwhile, Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola confirmed that his team would play without Ederson Moraes and Kevin De Bruyne in the match against Newcastle in the FA Cup quarter-finals. Both players missed injury.

Guardiola menyadari pentingnya pertandingan ini dan mengajak suporter di Etihad untuk memberikan dukungan maksimal kepada tim. Meskipun menyadari ketusatan lawan, Guardiola yakin bahwa Manchester City mampu meraih kemenangan dengan dukungan penuh dari para suporter.

"Kevin is not ready yet. He has played at Anfield with some problems. He played well (at Anfield). Everyone has problems but the next day he feels unwell, it's better to be careful," Pep explained.

"Eddie is getting better, hopefully after the international break he will be ready. Tomorrow of course (he will be absent). He will get two weeks off, he will recover, we'll see how he feels. Hopefully as soon as possible," he continued.

Despite having to play without two key players, Manchester City remains a favorite in this match. The players are expected to overcome the vacancy and give their best performances to advance to the next round.

With both teams ready to face tough challenges, this match is predicted to be fierce and interesting. Who will advance to the next round? Watch the match!