Manchester City

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

After beating Newcastle for the fourth time in 54 days, Manchester City face foes almost as familiar. This will be the fifth season in a row they have played Real Madrid in the latter stages of the Champions League and the 12th meeting overall in six years. Real have won the last two knockout ties but lost 2-1 at the Bernabeu in December. Top scorer Kylian Mbappe wasn't fit for that game, despite being named on the bench, and his availability is again in doubt after missing three matches with a knee injury.

His absence could leave rookie boss Alvaro Arbeloa short of star power, with Rodrygo out for the season and Jude Bellingham also sidelined. The Spanish club have yet to convince under Arbeloa, who has lost four of 13 games since replacing Xabi Alonso in what appears a stop-gap appointment. Pressure is building, though much of the frustration is aimed higher up the Bernabeu hierarchy. When Madrid were beaten by Getafe in their last home match on 2 March, some supporters called for long-serving president Florentino Perez to resign.

Did you know?

• Madrid have lost their last four games against Premier League sides – versus City and Liverpool this season plus defeats in both legs of their quarter-final against Arsenal last term.

• The last time Real failed to reach the QFs was in 2019-20, when they lost to City in the last 16.

Other team news

In addition to uncertainty over Mbappe, David Alaba is doubtful, while Eduardo Camavinga missed the win against Celta Vigo with a dental issue. Jude Bellingham, Eder Militao and Dani Ceballos are expected to remain out, with Rodrygo a long-term absentee following an ACL tear.

A return to Serie A also appears unlikely for Tonali after Newcastle put a £77m (90 euros) price tag on the player, which will put off Juventus, but Manchester United and Manchester City still remain keen. (Matteo Moretto via Football Italia), external

Juventus have opened talks with Manchester City's Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva about a move when the 31-year-old's contract expires, but face competition from clubs including Galatasaray and Inter Miami. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Champions League last-16 first leg against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Asked about how beneficial it has been being able to rotate his squad when they face a Real Madrid side struggling with injuries, Guardiola responded: "We play 11 against 11 tomorrow. When you have everybody fit and play in a lot of competitions and games, of course it is better to rotate. Fresh legs and fresh minds."

• With January signings Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo in line to play their first Champions League match, the City boss said: "As quick as they start to live these kind of situations, the better it will be for the future of this club."

• On mentality when playing at the Bernabeu: "We have to face the game and opponent with incredible respect, but have to look in eyes and say 'this is who we are as a team'. If we do it, maybe we are lucky and go through, next one maybe not. So you have to be who you are when in this stage against big teams."

• He added: "If we are not able to handle this situation when we play at Anfield, Old Trafford, Emirates or Stamford Bridge, or Bayern Munich or PSG in that moment, you have to live that. It is better to be here than not to be here. I prefer to be here and come to this stadium in the last-16 because that means we are in more or less the elite of Europe - 12 or 13 years ago, this club was never, never here."

• When asked how he would describe the identity of his City team, Guardiola said: "The Newcastle game defined who we are". He added: "When we are here, we have to prove ourselves the best otherwise, for my experience arriving in Champions League, semi-finals, finals, if you are not who you are it is more difficult."

• Despite Real boss Alvaro Arbeloa saying Guardiola sides "always have a surprise" prepared, the City manager insisted there are "no surprises", but they will have to "make some adjustments for the quality they have".

• On the difference of facing Real Madrid this time compared to last season: "We arrive better because we have the squad. Last season we arrive with a lot of fatigue, with too few players available who competed that moment."

You can listen to Guardiola below or on BBC Sounds

Listen to full commentary of Real Madrid v Manchester City on Wednesday from 20:00 GMT on BBC Sounds

Got a question about Manchester City? Get in touch here and we'll put it to our experts

Image source, Getty Images

Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media about what he expects to see from Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola in Wednesday's Champions League match.

"He always has a surprise. You have to expect some surprises," Arbeloa said.

"You have to think of many ideas, tactical approaches, that he's going to use and how he's going to use the players.

"I'll be very surprised if tomorrow he doesn't change how the team plays and attacks. We have to be open to expecting anything when facing a coach like Pep Guardiola."

Arbeloa was asked if it is special facing former Barcelona boss Guardiola and said: "It's motivation for us, for the players.

"Even if we've played lots of games against the club, it will be a special night tomorrow. It's really important for me to face one of the best coaches of football."

Freddie Pye
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

From within Manchester City, support and belief surrounding the future prospects of Savinho has been long-standing and consistent from the very first day the Brazilian completed the ultimate City Football Group development path.

Joining ESTAC Troyes from Atletico Mineiro, the young winger was then thrust into loan moves at PSV Eindhoven and Girona, with his performances for the Catalan side rewarding him with a big-money move to the Etihad Stadium.

But since joining the club before the hugely difficult 2024-25 campaign, Savinho has failed to set the world alight, and struggled for consistency in performance and to deliver the goalscoring output statistics that many would expect from a player of his quality.

And all while coaching staff and Pep Guardiola have continued to support the Sao Matheus-born forward, fans have struggled to align with the same level of belief. That is perhaps while being aware of the sensational born talent that Savinho possesses.

With striking similarities to the legendary Riyad Mahrez in terms of his eye for a forward run, dribbling qualities, and first-touch, it is what comes next in an attacking phase of play that has distinguished the Algerian from Manchester City's current number 26.

Mastering the art of the forward pass, the final ball into the penalty area, or decision-making when bearing down on goal, Savinho will no doubt become one of the very top talents in European football, and certainly a name that Manchester City should be able to rely upon on a much more permanent and consistent basis.

For now, these remain the ifs and the challenge set upon Pep Guardiola during the time the Catalan coach has left at the Etihad Stadium. The win over Newcastle in the FA Cup on Saturday night was a significant step in the right direction for Savinho, and perhaps the ultimate confidence-booster that supporters and the Brazilian himself needed ahead of the all-important run-in this season.

If there was ever a time for Savinho to truly find his feet in Sky Blue, now is exactly that time.

Find more from Freddie Pye at City Xtra, external

Manchester City are unlikely to trigger a clause which would see 16-year-old American midfielder Cavan Sullivan join them from MLS outfit Philadelphia Union earlier than scheduled next season. (The I - subscription required), external

Newcastle and England defender Tino Livramento, 23, is not close to agreeing to join Manchester City in a summer deal despite speculation. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

The draw for the FA Cup quarter finals has been made. Here is a list of all the ties in the order they were drawn:

• Southampton v Arsenal

• Chelsea v Port Vale

• Manchester City v Liverpool

• West Ham or Brentford v Leeds United

The ties will be played around the weekend of Saturday, 4 April.

Watch all the highlights and best video from this season's FA Cup

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's FA Cup fifth round tie between Newcastle and Man City.

Here are some of your comments:

Newcastle fans

Tony: We are miles away from being a top side. We can compete for about 30 mins by playing at our most energetic and highest level, then we run out of steam and ideas. Same against Liverpool earlier in the season. Woltemade is not a midfielder and Wissa and Elanga are shadows of the players they were last season. Barca will no doubt give us another footballing lesson this week. Roll on the summer and hopefully a more productive transfer window and a reset of only PL and domestic cup football next season.

David: You only had to look at who was on the Man City bench to appreciate this was never going to end well. Last summer highlighted that identifying quality players to recruit is one thing but persuading them to move to us is another.

Nigel: Sadly a now typical performance after an exhilarating game previously and a true reflection on the season. Fast start leading to a slowing down. Puzzling starting 11, slow subs and a lost opportunity. I feel NUFC have concentrated on the wrong game (Barcelona) and have missed the boat. No matter, onwards and upwards. HWTL.

Leslie: Yet again, two goals from unmarked players in the box speaks for itself. Too many ball watchers in defence. Nobody looks were the opposition is. It's the same every game.

City fans

Brian: Job done and next round secured. Fans are happy and at least three trophy hopes remain alive. Aggressive and defensive tactics won the day. Man City came to win and they won in style. Days as good as this are worth the recent heartache. Man City are very much a cup side and this sends big messages to Arsenal and Real Madrid. This was City at their best.

Russ: Is our B team better than our A team? After a nervy start City controlled the game far better than mid week v Forest. As good a second half performance as I've seen in weeks.

Youssef: Chuffed with the lads, our energy was superb. We could have bagged many more, but the win is all we needed and we continue to fight for the quadruple. One of the best City performances this season. Who said our form always dips in the second half?

Ian: A great team performance which left Newcastle void of any ideas. Big shout out to John Stones the Barnsley Beckenbauer. When he's fit and on form, there's not a better defender in the country.

Image source, Getty Images

The Telegraph's Luke Edwards, reflecting on Manchester City's 3-1 FA Cup fifth round win over Newcastle at St James' Park on Saturday evening while speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast: "It was ominous really.

"Newcastle were very good for 20 minutes, half an hour, got the lead, and then the fatigue caught up with them.

"Man City made 10 changes and you just wouldn't have known. They were so good. They were the best team I've seen this season in the way they kept the ball, manipulated Newcastle, made them run and chase the ball.

"It's what Barcelona used to do in their pomp to tire teams out. It was a sobering reality check for Newcastle.

"City are the standard-bearers for what makes an elite club in this country and Newcastle are way off it.

"Saturday night harshly showed how big that gap is. Nine or 10, but certainly nine, of City's heavily-rotated second string would get into Newcastle's starting XI."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Pundits Ellen White and Glenn Murray join host Kelly Somers to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday and Sunday's FA Cup ties.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Port Vale 1-0 Sunderland

• Fulham 0-1 Southampton

• Leeds 3-0 Norwich

• Wrexham 2-3 Chelsea

• Newcastle 1-3 Man City

• Mansfield Town 1-2 Arsenal

• Wolves 1-3 Liverpool

Manchester City are closing in on Newcastle United's England full-back Tino Livramento, 23. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Chris Adams
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

For the first time, two English clubs have reached March still in the hunt for the Quadruple - winning the Premier League, the FA Cup, the EFL Cup, and the Champions League.

They are the three most prized domestic trophies and Europe's elite title.

Arsenal and Manchester City are both capable of winning all four given they are jousting for the Premier League title, still in the FA Cup and Champions League, and meet in the EFL Cup final later this month.

The Gunners defeated League One side Mansfield Town to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, while City beat Newcastle United.

Last week's draw for the Champions League knockout stages means the Premier League's top two can only meet in May's final.

Winning the Quadruple has been done before - but by a team north of the border.

Scottish giants Celtic swept all before them in 1966-67, culminating in a European Cup win over Inter Milan, and with a squad born within 30 miles of Celtic Park.

But how close have other clubs come to completing the Quadruple?

Find out here

Image source, Getty Images

Man City boss Pep Guardiola, speaking to BBC Sport after the win over Newcastle: "In Leverkusen, it was a strong squad too, but we won today, so it was fine. It was a good decision and when I lose it was a bad decision.

"This is the best performance we have played in this stadium since my decade here. That is consistency and that is why I am proud."

On John Stones: "I am happy for him because for a long time he was injured, and he needs time to do his best. He was the captain today and he deserves it."

On Savinho: "What a winger. One against one – he is so dangerous."

Did you know?

• Omar Marmoush has scored seven goals in five appearances against Newcastle in all competitions, with 50% of his goals for Man City coming against the Magpies (7/14).

You can also hear from Marmoush by pressing play below or heading over to BBC Sounds here

Ciaran Kelly
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

This was the night Pep Guardiola's faith in his squad was rewarded.

The Manchester City manager boldly made 10 changes, as he gave Erling Haaland the night off and named Gianluigi Donnarumma, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi, Rodri, Rayan Cherki, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden and Antoine Semenyo on a stacked bench.

Just how would this much-changed side respond to going a goal down? After all, the disappointment of Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest, which caused them to fall seven points behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League title race, was still fresh.

Well, the visitors quickly provided an answer after rallying in impressive fashion.

You could sense how much this tie meant to Guardiola as he passionately appealed over decisions on the touchline and even ripped off his jacket in the Tyneside chill at one point.

His team mirrored that desire to progress and, at one point, Omar Marmoush sprinted back into his own half to cut out a breakaway from Joe Willock.

Newcastle must be sick of the sight of the Egyptian, who has now scored half of his goals for Manchester City against Howe's team.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Newcastle's performance

What did you make of Man City's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

William Osula has been rewarded with a start as Newcastle United make four changes for the visit of Manchester City in the FA Cup fifth round.

The forward lines up from the off after coming off the bench to score a 90th-minute winner against Manchester United on Wednesday night.

Sven Botman, Joe Willock and Nick Woltemade also come into the side at St James' Park.

Newcastle XI: Ramsdale, Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall, Tonali, Willock, Woltemade, Elanga, Osula, Barnes

Subs: Pope, Joelinton, Wissa, Gordon, Livramento, J.Murphy, Burn, A.Murphy, Neave

Erling Haaland has been rested as Manchester City make ten changes for tonight's FA Cup fifth-round tie against Newcastle United.

Matheus Nunes is the only survivor from the 2-2 draw versus Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night.

James Trafford, Abdukodir Khusanov, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Nico Gonzalez, Tijjani Reijnders, Nico O'Reilly, Savinho, Omar Marmoush and Jeremy Doku are all recalled for the trip to St James' Park.

Manchester City XI: Trafford, Nunes, Khusanov, Stones, Ake, Gonzalez, Reijnders, O'Reilly, Savinho, Marmoush, Doku

Subs: Donnarumma, Dias, Cherki, Guehi, Rodri, Bernardo, Ait-Nouri, Semenyo, Foden

There are three fifth-round ties in the FA Cup on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Mansfield Town v Arsenal (12:15) - BBC Radio Nottingham

• Wrexham v Chelsea (17:30) - BBC iPlayer and BBC Radio 5 Live

• Newcastle v Manchester City (20:00) - BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Newcastle & BBC Radio Manchester

Kick-off times GMT

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Wrexham v Chelsea" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v Man City".

Find out more about how to listen to football on BBC Sounds

How to follow the FA Cup fifth round on the BBC

This is a big week for both teams. In the Champions League, Newcastle have got Barcelona at home on Tuesday, and Manchester 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.

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.

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: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Flora Snelson
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round tie against Newcastle United at St James' Park (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On playing Newcastle for the fifth time this season: "We know each other quite well. There are no surprises."

• In response to counterpart Eddie Howe's comment that his team will need a bit of luck to come away with a result, Guardiola said: "When the margins are so tight, luck is important."

• Nico O'Reilly is feeling better and he'll be assessed on Friday regarding his fitness for the FA Cup tie.

• Guardiola noted that playing at 8pm is an advantage because the City squad can travel on Saturday (rather than Friday, as they do for a 3pm kick-off) but pointed out that it has the disadvantage of shrinking their recovery time for their Champions League game against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

• When asked about his relationship with Howe, Guardiola said: "Pretty good - but I've never had dinner with Eddie. Some managers I have a relationship with for a long time. At the end of the day, we are rivals and we have to play against each other, but before and after the game it's completely different."

• On how this game ranks in his priorities: "The FA Cup is so important. We travel to Newcastle to win the game, to get to the next round."

Hit play above to hear more from Guardiola or listen on BBC Sounds here

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Listen to full commentary of Newcastle v Man City at 20:00 on Saturday on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds

How to follow the FA Cup fifth round on the BBC

Got a question about Man City? Get in touch here and we'll put it to our experts

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Phil Foden's future at Manchester City.

Here are some of your comments:

Mark: Sadly, I think it's time we cashed in!! For far too long he's disappeared in big games or when it needs someone to step up to the plate! He's a quality player - no doubt about that - but how long do you keep giving him chances? Clearly there's an issue so a fresh start could best for both.

Jimmy: Foden is too busy doing gun signs! He let Anderson walk right past him to have a shot a goal. Keep him on the bench.

Tom: Don't know what it is with Foden at the moment. Is it confidence? Fitness? I don't know, but I think he needs a run of games to get back to his best. I believe he will get back to his best as he was outstanding before new year. Every player goes through a dip. But we also need to play to his strength and give him the ball more when he's on the edge of the box.

Harry: He'll always be our golden boy, but it's undeniable that his form has become sporadic. He's somewhere between "might be the decider" and "absolutely do not start him". I got the feeling that against Forest he was trying too hard - while I respect that, it's not come off. He's not going anywhere, but I struggle to see how we intend to let him fight for his place whilst trying to battle on four fronts. We will need him going forward, but it's impossible to say when and where. We love him though, he's the embodiment of my pride as a City supporter.

Usama: He's performing even worse than last season which I didn't think was possible and with the World Cup on the horizon you wouldn't bet against him missing out on the final squad at this rate. With the addition of Cherki and then Semenyo, Foden's starting spot is no longer a guarantee regardless of his past seasons. Its a mental shift for me that needs to happen in order to get him firing on all cylinders.

Doug: He appears to have lost confidence in himself, and his ability. Wanders around the pitch as if he doesn't know where he is supposed to be playing, and has very little impact. He's holding on to the ball too long and running into dead ends. And when he loses the ball has developed a habit of just watching the game instead of trying to get it back straight away.

David: Foden is a generational talent waste. The second goal summed his position up - Anderson sprinting past him as he sleep walked through the game to receive the return and fire in. Foden has the ability and potential to match KDB but lacks the mentality, week in week out Kev produced at the highest level and even on his bad days his passion and commitment was always there. Foden seems destined to see his career at City peter out, warming the bench with little cameos being all he can expect. Pep choosing to ignore him as he came off was a silent put down for a player who continues to massively under perform.

Kevin: Let's be honest. Foden's form over the last two seasons has been poor. Not good enough to be in the first eleven. Time to sell?