Newcastle United takeover positives, striker switch & more – our writers tackle the Toon Trending Topics ahead of the FA Cup clash v Man City

The day is finally here! Newcastle United fans have waited 14 years for an FA Cup quarter final tie – and they’ll all be sitting at home watching on TV.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JUNE 24: Steve Bruce, Manager of Newcastle United speaks to his team during a drinks break during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Aston Villa at St. James Park on June 24, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Lee Smith/Pool via Getty Images)NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JUNE 24: Steve Bruce, Manager of Newcastle United speaks to his team during a drinks break during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Aston Villa at St. James Park on June 24, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Lee Smith/Pool via Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JUNE 24: Steve Bruce, Manager of Newcastle United speaks to his team during a drinks break during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Aston Villa at St. James Park on June 24, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Lee Smith/Pool via Getty Images)

No fans, no worries though, as we will have every angle covered for you today as the Magpies look to make the last four and Wembley for the first time since 2000.

Here’s what our writers Liam Kennedy, Joe Nicholson and Mark Donnelly think of the Magpies' restart to the season, takeover distractions and the Manchester City challenge that lies in wait tonight.

What have you made of Newcastle’s Project Restart so far?

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Follow every kick of the action in our LIVE blog - with added super fan analysis!
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LK: “They’ve done everything asked of them. The four points picked up so far have probably put them safe. If only they’d held on against Aston Villa they’d be not far off mathematical safety. Most seasons 39 points is enough and if you'd offered this scenario at the start of the season, given all the summer uncertainty and upheaval, I’d have snapped your hands off. They didn’t have much to beat against Sheffield United, who’ve fallen off a cliff, but Aston Villa are decent and fighting for their lives, so a point, all told, was no bad return after playing so poorly. They’ll need to massively up the levels tonight, though.”

JN: “I was very impressed with Newcastle during their first game back against Sheffield United last weekend, with the 4-2-3-1 formation working as well as it has done all season. The side was well balanced and caused problems going forward with Allan Saint-Maximin and Matt Richie creating chances on the flanks. Against Aston Villa on Wednesday, an unchanged side understandably looked a little jaded but were still just minutes away from beating a side who are scrapping for their lives. I’m sure many Newcastle fans would have taken four points out of six to restart the campaign.”

MD: “I think if you had offered Newcastle fans four points from their first two games back in Premier League action – particularly given the lack of preparation time available – they would have snapped your hands off. The first half performance against Sheffield United wasn’t any spectacular, but Steve Bruce’s men were clinical and convincing after the break. The game against Aston Villa was a more tepid affair, but Newcastle were at least able to secure a point which helped pull them further clear of relegation danger – and isn’t to be sniffed at given Villa are scrapping for their lives.”

Has the takeover talk had any kind of impact on performances?

LK: “If anything it seems to have had a positive impact. While the uncertainty can be unsettling, even for players with long contracts, it is also an opportunity to play your way into becoming a part of the revolution. The likes of Allan Saint-Maximin and Joelinton, to an extent, are doing that as we speak.”

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JN: “Constant noises off the pitch could potentially cause a distraction, especially when there’s speculation about new players coming in. The takeover talk doesn’t appear to have had a negative impact in terms of performances though. If anything it seems like some players want to prove themselves more.”

MD: “I don’t think there’s been much of an impact. It’s an old cliche, but you can’t imagine players really thinking about the takeover once they cross that white line. When Jamaal Lascelles jumps for a header, Isaac Hayden throws himself into a tackle or Allan Saint-Maximin lines-up a shot, I don’t think they’ll be wondering what Amanda Staveley would be thinking of their performances. Behind the scenes, though, it could give some players added incentive to ensure they remain in the club’s plans come what may.”

How can Newcastle United cause Manchester City problems?

LK: “I think United have to make sure they keep it tight. That’s the only way they’ve got a chance in this. The pace on the break of the likes of ASM and Miguel Almiron could play a key role. Earlier in the season I thought the City full-backs – particularly Kyle Walker – had a tough afternoon at St James's Park. United could get some joy out wide.”

JN: “City were ruthless against Arsenal and Burnley in their first two games after the restart, yet they have shown defensive frailties this season. To put it into context, City have scored seven more goals than runaway champions Liverpool this campaign, but have also conceded 12 more goals than the Reds. I remember watching City lose 2-0 to Wolves back in October when Adama Traore tore them apart with his blistering pace on the break. Maybe Saint Maximin and Miguel Almiron can exploit the same weakness.”

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MD: “Saint-Maximin will be key. His blistering pace and trickery can cause problems for any side and, with Newcastle expected to play on the break, he could be a real weapon. You could count Miguel Almiron and, to an extent Joelinton, in that category too. You could also see Andy Carroll proving a good option if Newcastle are chasing the game late on. His physicality and nous could exploit a tiring Manchester City backline in the final stages.”

How do Newcastle replace Isaac Hayden and Matt Ritchie if they are ruled out?

LK: “Those are two players who United do not really have like-for-like replacements in their squad. Matty Longstaff would be a Hayden replacement, or even Sean Longstaff, but I think he will go with Nabil Bentaleb. Matt Ritchie’s energy and enthusiasm is irreplaceable. Bruce could bring another defender in and go back to three at the back or simply drop Joelinton in to the left, ASM to the right and Andy Carroll or Dwight Gayle come in as a central striker.”

JN: “Newcastle would certainly miss Hayden’s energy if the midfielder is ruled out, yet they do have plenty of options in the middle of the park. Nabil Bentaleb could provide more defensive security, while Matty and Sean Longstaff could also come in. Ritchie’s absence would be harder to compensate and may force Steve Bruce to alter his formation to shore things up on the flanks.”

MD: “While Hayden is a key cog in the Newcastle side – and his performance against Sheffield United was superb – Bruce isn’t shy of options. Nabil Bentaleb has been knocking on the door and the Longstaff brothers could also be available once more. Ritchie will prove harder to replace. Could we see Joeltinon shifted out wide and Carroll starting down the middle? That’s certainly what I’d go for.”

Can Newcastle United upset the odds this evening?

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LK: “It’s unlikely, but entirely possible. Losing the home advantage (no crowd) was the biggest blow to their chances in many ways, as we witnessed what a rocking St James’s Park can do against the top sides – beating Manchester United, the late comeback v Man City and beating Chelsea in January. My fear is that a game in a training ground setup would probably result in the better players coming out on top nine out of 10.”

JN: “I can’t see it to be honest. City were upset by Chelsea the other night but have overall looked pretty impressive since the restart. Pep Guardiola has so many attacking options at his disposal, which has only been highlighted by the new rule which allows teams to make five substitutes. Sergio Aguero’s injury is a blow for the visitors but I still think they’ll have enough.”

MD: “It’s a real shame that this game will be played in front of an empty St James’s Park, as having 50,000 fans backing the home sides would have undoubtedly been an advantage. Newcastle just need to keep tight, be clever and cutting on the break and, more than anything, clinical. There won’t be many opportunities for the Magpies against a watertight City defence so they’ll have to ensure they take the few chances that present themselves. Over to you, Joelinton...”

Score predictions?

LK: “My heart says Newcastle, my head Man City every day of the week. But the FA Cup is a competition for the dreamers – and with all this summer takeover talk I’m on cloud nine. NUFC 2 MCFC 1. Don’t @ me!”

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JN: “City’s defeat to Chelsea on Thursday, a result which handed Liverpool the title, will sting. I can’t see City slipping up again so will go 2-0 to the visitors.”

MD: “Now their Premier League dreams are over, City’s focus may well shift to the cup competitions. Sadly, I can’t see Pep Guardiola’s side claiming anything but a victory, so I’ll say 3-1 to the visitors.”