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Newcastle United are just 90 minutes away from their first FA Cup semi-final in almost two decades, however, the cup draw gods have once again not been kind to them as they face treble-winners Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Magpies haven’t won a game at the stadium in almost a decade and have lost on every visit since Pep Guardiola took charge of the Citizens. However, whilst they are still in the competition they will retain hope of progressing and can take heart from their win over City in the Carabao Cup back in September.
Eddie Howe will also be buoyed by the potential availability of Anthony Gordon after fears the former Everton man had picked up a knee injury that would keep him out of the clash with Guardiola’s side. However, they will certainly be without Nick Pope and Kieran Trippier - although there is hope they could return to action in the near future.
Here, we take a look at the starting XI that Howe could name for the clash against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium:
9. Joe Willock
Willock is continuing his return from injury and had there not been an international break coming up after this weekend, he may have been handed a rest. However, his energy will be needed and he could be a great weapon on the counter-attack. | Getty Images
10. Alexander Isak
Isak scored a simply sensational goal during the last meeting between these two sides back in January and will undoubtedly spearhead the attack this weekend. | Getty Images
11. Anthony Gordon
Gordon had been considered a major doubt for this match, but his inclusion in the England squad means he may start at the Etihad Stadium. | Getty Images