Manchester City will be targeting a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup when they lock horns with Newcastle United in the quarter-finals at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening.
City, who last faced the Magpies in the FA Cup four years ago, will be determined to get back to winning ways following last Sunday's 1-1 draw with Premier League title rivals Liverpool at Anfield. Despite leading at half-time through a John Stones goal, the Blues were pegged back shortly after the break via a Alexis Mac Allister penalty.
That stalemate left the Blues third in the Premier League table, albeit just a point behind leaders Arsenal. However, focus now switches to the FA Cup and trying to defend that particular crown, following their 2-1 triumph over Manchester United in last season's final.
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Ahead of the visit of Eddie Howe's team, City have been dealt a fresh setback on the injury front losing Kevin De Bruyne. He was not included in the Belgium squad that was announced this week, forced to miss out because of a groin problem. He has joined goalkeeper Ederson in being ruled out this weekend.
Though manager Pep Guardiola was always likely to make a change in goal, Ederson's absence guarantees that Stefan Ortega will start between the posts. The German started each of City's opening three games in the FA Cup this season and that trend was always likely to continue before Ederson was forced off at Anfield last weekend.
As for the back-four, Guardiola could select the same quartet that started the draw with Liverpool, given City will not play again until March 31 because of the international break. However, Ruben Dias will be knocking on the door for a recall at the expense of either Manuel Akanji or Stones.
As for the midfield, Rodri, as ever, is likely to start in the defensive-midfield berth and operate just in front of the defence. With a semi-final spot up for grabs, Guardiola should deploy his strongest available team and Rodri, as a result, should be one of the first names on the teamsheet.
As for the rest of the engine room, Mateo Kovacic could be recalled to provide a sense of control and composure in the middle. He scored in the last round of the FA Cup, hammering home an excellent strike in the 6-2 win over Luton Town. Phil Foden could move into the middle to provide the creativity from a central area that De Bruyne would have otherwise offered.
As for the attack, the prospect of Foden moving inside means Bernardo Silva could start on the right. Jeremy Doku, who nearly scored after stepping off the bench at Anfield, could be recalled to start on the left in place of Julian Alvarez.
Erling Haaland should lead the line and attempt to build on the five-goal haul he secured himself in the win at Luton in round five. The likes of the fit-again Jack Grealish and Oscar Bobb may have to settle for places on the bench.
City predicted line-up vs Newcastle: Ortega; Walker, Stones, Dias, Ake; Rodri, Foden, Kovacic; Bernardo, Haaland, Doku.
