"Manchester City" is in a real "four fronts" mode this season: the opportunity to compete for the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and UEFA Champions League trophies still remains. This means the calendar is tight, the pressure is high, and every game is almost equivalent to a final.
Another serious challenge awaits us in the FA Cup. In the round of 16, the Citizens will face Newcastle, and the match will take place on March 7th at the opponent's home ground. Before this game, cityxtra.co.uk experts who have been writing about "City" predicted which players Pep Guardiola would trust.
Goal - about confidence and uniform
James Trafford, who has made several impressive saves in cup competitions, is expected to be in the starting lineup this time as well. The Cup is precisely the arena where these "second-ranked" players bring themselves to the big stage. For Trafford, this is another such opportunity.
Defense - speed, experience, and balance
On the right wing, Portugal's Mateusz Nunes "mastered" the defender's role better than expected. His mobility, positioning, and possession give the team a big plus. Therefore, there's a high probability he'll be in the starting lineup against Newcastle as well.
In the center, a mixture of experience and new strength is visible. Although Nathan Ake is playing relatively less this season following last year's injuries and changes in squad, he is a defender who has matured over the years in the City system and has seen big games. In matches like the Cup, it's precisely this experience that kills "dangerous moments."
Next to him, Abdukodir Khusanov's name sounds even more interesting. The Uzbek defender has proven himself reliably in various positions since his arrival from Lens in January 2025. Speed, physical strength, and determination in clashes can provide perfect balance in a central pair. Considering Newcastle's physical football, these qualities are very expensive.
Ryan Ait-Nuri's attacking style can play a big role on the left wing. He constantly "occupies" the wing, pushing the opponent's defenders back. This will test the defensive capabilities of Newcastle's wing-backs, including Kieran Trippier and Lewis Hall. If Ait-Nuri plays harmoniously with his attacking teammates, it will be a very good choice for City.
Midfield - rest for Rodri, tempo control
In the support zone, Spaniard Nico González is considered a suitable starting position. His ability to hold position without the ball and turn the game in different directions gives Guardiola an important opportunity: to take care of Rodri, to give him a break. This is a normal tactic in the cup - because there are still many big games ahead.
Niko O'Reilly was also specifically mentioned: he missed the match against "Nottingham Forest" due to an injury in the 1-0 match against "Leeds." So, his return can also be gradual - there's no rush, it's important to "do the right return."
Tijani Reynders is a very necessary figure against "Newcastle" as a player who can move across the entire field and perform large-scale work. In this game, maintaining tempo, fighting for second balls, and getting out of pressing can be decisive.
Attack - Foden in the center, Haaland unlocks
Experts believe that Phil Foden is likely to become a central figure. If he's in form, it's difficult to stop him: a quick decision, a sharp pass, danger around the penalty area. In an away match against Newcastle, a player of this type can change the fate of the game in one episode.
French striker Ryan Scherky could also be seen at the start. His calm, technical actions are always a headache for the defenders. He has provided assists in recent games but has not scored since the away match against Tottenham Hotspur in February. So, this time he wants to "break the silence."
Antoine Semeno is reportedly in excellent form at the front. He hasn't stopped his effectiveness in City's jersey and is even claiming to be among the strongest players in the Premier League. Guardiola will certainly try to use this form in the cup as well.
And Erling Haaland is still the main "magnet." His speed and physical strength pull the opponent's defense deeper, opening up space for his teammates. Playing in tandem with Semeno could become a decisive force in advancing the Citizens to the next stages of the FA Cup.
Estimated starting lineup
Trafford; Nunesh, Khusanov, Ake, Ait-Nuri; Nico Gonzalez, Reynders, Foden; Sherki, Haaland, Semeno.
Backup players
Gianluigi Donnarumma, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Mark Guehi, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Savino, Omar Marmoush, Jeremy Doku.
The conclusion is brief: Guardiola doesn't view Newcastle's trip as a simple game, but the calendar simply shows no mercy - meaning there will be both rotation and risk. If this lineup works out, the most interesting intrigue is one: how will the Khusanov-Ake pair respond to Newcastle's pressure? This question can determine the nerves of the game.
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