The team which needs FA trophy the most got the worst possible opponent in the competition – Manchester City. Newcastle are on a quest to finally win any trophy since 1969 and were close last year, but the lost the final of Carabao Cup to Manchester United. The Magpies already knocked out City from the Carabao Cup in the early stages of the season when Guardiola fielded a reserve team at St. James’ Park. In the Premier League, the Citizens nearly win in Newcastle, courtesy of a goal by young Norwegian midfielder Oscar Bob in stoppage time. So, Newcastle do have a hope in this game, but in reality it will be tough, mainly due to the fact that their form is really up and down, compared to the Champions League champions, who are unbeaten at home this season in all competitions. Pep Guardiola’s men are still in line to repeat their fantastic 2022/23 season, when they won treble, so no discount will be given to the Magpies. In fact, there is an even worse scenario on the horizon as the Citizens could defeat Newcastle and take one of their best players.🚨 Manchester City have made contact with Newcastle United over a blockbuster move for midfielder Bruno Guimarães. 🇧🇷(Source: AS) pic.twitter.com/e3z3v1DsP7— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 16, 2024 Bruno Guimaraes has been a hit since coming from Lyon and is highly admired by coach Eddie Howe. In order to keep their star player happy, the Magpies recently gave him a new contract with a higher wage, but couldn’t escape a request from his agent – to insert an escape clause, beleived to be around 100 million pounds. For clubs like PSG, Arsenal or Liverpool, it’s pocket money, considering how they spent in the past. So, Guimaraes has basically invited top clubs to buy him in June, especially now, when Newcastle is expected to fell short of the European competition place in the league. Legacy, you say? Then check out tacticians in the Champions League quarter-finalsAnd what Bruno did to ease the Newcastle fans’ worries? Nothing! He is actually flerting with Manchester City, as Spanish AS reported that the Citizens already asked about his aviabity in June.”Haaland is a monster, he’s an amazing player. If I played with him, I’d finish 20 assists a season“ he told the Premier League’s YouTube channel and recently told ESPN Brazil: „Pep said I was ‘bueno’, good! We have a good relationship, we have already talked a few times. For me, Pep’s a genius, the best coach in history”.UCL: Mission (im)possible for Arsenal as they face Bayern Munich, City vs Real MadridAnd what about Pep Guardiola? He was also full of praise for the Brazilian ahead of today’s game but stopped short of saying that he is interested.”He is an exceptional holding midfielder. He is aggressive, with the ball or without the ball. At set-pieces, he’s aggressive and is a real, complete holding midfielder since being at Lyon and now at a club who want to grow up and up. I am sure he is part of the project for the next years. Definitely” said the Spaniard.FA CUPSaturday 15.15: (1.67) Wolverhampton (3.70) Coventry (5.50)20.30: (1.28) Man.City (6.00) Newcastle (9.50)Sunday 15.45: (1.45) Chelsea (4.50) Leicester (7.00)18.30: (4.00) Man.Utd. (3.60) Liverpool (1.90)***odds are subject to change***
