Manchester City need a victory against Newcastle United to remain in the FA Cup, but Chris Sutton is confident this could be the night for an upset.
Wednesday was a disaster for Manchester City, as they dropped points at home to Nottingham Forest while Arsenal took down Brighton & Hove Albion.
Those results have left the Gunners with a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League table, handing City a major blow in their bid for the title.
This weekend allows the chance to overcome the events of midweek, as Man City take on Newcastle in the FA Cup fifth round.
However, while tonight’s visitors to St James’ Park have beaten the Magpies on three occasions this season, Chris Sutton believes an upset could be on the cards.
Chris Sutton predicts Manchester City to exit the FA Cup
Even though Man City have a better recent record in this fixture, Sutton reckons Newcastle could sneak a victory and advance to the FA Cup quarter-finals.
The ex-Premier League striker has been quite impressed by Eddie Howe’s team, as they have done well in cup competitions, even if the league has not gone to plan.
Sutton told BBC Sport: “This is a big week for both teams. In the Champions League, Newcastle have got Barcelona at home on Tuesday, and City are at Real Madrid the following day. That’s exactly what you want at this stage of the season, though.
“We keep getting callers on 606 saying it’s not been a great campaign for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle, but they are in the Champions League last 16, got to the Carabao Cup semi-finals and are still in the FA Cup too.”
Touching on Newcastle’s league form, Sutton continued: “The Premier League hasn’t gone as well as it should have done, but there are reasons for that, starting with the Alexander Isak saga last summer.
“When you look at their league positions in Howe’s three full seasons there – fourth, seventh and fifth – you can see he has been successful in progressing the club, on top of ending their long wait for a major trophy.
“Sometimes managers are taken for granted, and if they are in the job for any period, then some people will say, ‘oh we need a change’.
“I think most people understand what a great job Howe has actually done, including most Newcastle supporters.
“I am going for them to win this, too. They have already beaten one Manchester team this week, and that was with 10 men – so they can win this tie with 11.”
He added: “Pep Guardiola’s side have won three out of the four games with Newcastle this season, but I am going with the same scoreline from the time they didn’t, in the Premier League at St James’ Park.”
Sutton’s prediction: Newcastle United 2-1 Manchester City
An FA Cup exit would be a massive blow for Man City
What has been so impressive about Manchester City this season is the fact they are still competing to win four different trophies.
However, Arsenal are now very much in the best position to win the Premier League title and being knocked out of the FA Cup would be an even bigger blow.
February was a great month for Man City, but March could end up being an absolute disaster. Still, Sutton has been wrong before and Pep Guardiola’s team will be looking to make this the case again by getting another win in the north east.
