Pep's expecting a close call as the Blues turn to cup action

MANCHESTER City will be targeting a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup when they lock horns with Newcastle United in the quarterfinals at the Etihad Stadium this evening

- GEORGE SMITH

City, who last faced the Magpies in the FA Cup four years ago, will be determined to get back to winning ways following last Sunday's 1-1 draw with Premier League title rivals Liverpool at Anfield.

Despite leading at half-time through a John Stones goal, the Blues were pegged back shortly after the break via a Alexis Mac Allister penalty.

That stalemate left the Blues third in the Premier League table, albeit just a point behind leaders Arsenal.

However, focus now switches to the FA Cup and trying to defend that particular crown, following their 2-1 triumph over Manchester United in last season's final.

City boss Pep Guardiola expects a difficult clash.

He said: "This season and the previous one and the previous one since Eddie Howe was there and the Saudi Arabia takeover they have been tight games," Guardiola said of the threat of Newcastle, calling upon City's fans to help them edge a contest he anticipates to be a close one.