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Sutton's predictions: Newcastle v Man Citypublished at 18:25 GMT 6 March
18:25 GMT 6 March
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.
Guardiola on O'Reilly fitness, 'luck' being important and kicking off at 8pm published at 12:57 GMT 6 March
12:57 GMT 6 March
Flora Snelson BBC Sport journalist
Media caption,
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."
'A dip' or 'cash in'? - fan verdict on Foden futurepublished at 11:59 GMT 6 March
11:59 GMT 6 March
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?
Chelsea and Manchester City are among the clubs interested in Bayern Munich's 21-year-old Germany midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic, who could cost 65m euros (£56m). (Caught Offside), external
City had a 'lack of swagger and belief'published at 16:03 GMT 5 March
16:03 GMT 5 March
Emily Brobyn Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester City went into the game against Nottingham Forest off the back of six straight wins. Confidence should have been high.
A win would have kept up their pace in the race. Then winning their game in hand could have moved them into a position where beating title rivals Arsenal would have put them top of the Premier League table.
Should have. Could have. It probably would have happened if City displayed an ability to put the game to bed.
Dropping points from winning positions has been a familiar trait this season for the Blues.
A fragility that, last season aside, is such unfamiliar territory for Pep's side. Wasteful with their chances and dispossessed too easily. A lack of real commitment and swagger, a lack of belief.
This is usually the time of season where City have the bit between their teeth. When they're chasing the title and they smell blood.
This isn't a time for first-gear build-up play. For reaching the final third and passing sideways instead of playing the through ball.
For giving the ball away so cheaply. This is a time for showing the want, the desire. For kicking the door down instead of giving it a polite knock.
Take nothing away from the visitors.
Forest are fighting for their Premier League lives and their two goals, superb from Morgan Gibbs-White and City target Elliot Anderson, were worthy of securing their precious point.
At times, they played with courage. They battled. They benefited from City's generosity in giving up the ball so easily. But they believed. City didn't.
Perhaps an element of game management comes into it. City are still in all four competitions, with hugely important trips to both Newcastle and Real Madrid in the next five days.
But when Pep called for a higher intensity, a greater press and the result is pedestrian possession - how long will they remain fighting on all four fronts?
It's now 13 points dropped from winning positions this season.
If City are to be the bridesmaids instead of taking their vows come May, they'll only have themselves to blame.
What is next for Foden?published at 12:55 GMT 5 March
12:55 GMT 5 March
Image source, Getty Images
Phil Foden is having a mixed campaign.
The Premier League's Player of the Season for 2023-24 has scored seven goals and registered three assists in 25 league appearances but has not found the net since mid-December.
The 25-year-old has only started two of City's seven league games since being substituted at half-time in January's Manchester derby defeat at Old Trafford, and is no longer guaranteed to feature after the signing of Antoine Semenyo and the emergence of Nico O'Reilly as an attacking option.
It is an interesting position for a player who appeared set to succeed Kevin de Bruyne as City's creative talisman after his all-conquering 2023-24 campaign to be in, especially after a challenging 2024-25 season when City finished trophyless for the first time since Pep Guardiola's first year in charge a decade ago.
With a World Cup summer approaching, and City still fighting on all four fronts, what is next for Foden?
Why has his form dipped? Where is his role going forward? And can he become City's main man once again?
Manchester City 2-2 Nottingham Forest - the fans' verdictpublished at 09:52 GMT 5 March
09:52 GMT 5 March
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We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Premier League game between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest.
Here are some of your comments:
City fans
Kevin: Same old same old. Switch off for the first 15 minutes of the second half, let the opponent back in the game then hope that substitutes on the hour will change things. No Marmoush when a goal is needed and none of the Nicos to shore up a woeful defence and midfield.
Dixon: As a City fan, totally disappointed at their performance, not least Foden who is the main culprit for Anderson's goal as he was the only City player closer to Anderson before the latter shot and scored. Foden didn't seem care if Anderson scored or not since he didn't attempt to tackle Anderson before the shot. City should sell him at the end of the season. I hope he won't be picked for the World Cup since he doesn't deserve a place in England team.
Martin: City looked disorganised & were too "narrow". They could not breakdown a packed Forest defence & lost the ball too easily.Forest started well but City dominated the majority of the game but reverted to sideways passing etc. same old,same old. Credit to Forest who matured during the game. Are City playing better away from home? Not good enough if they want to pressure Arsenal.
David: This current City team is a shadow of the ones of the last 10 years. Pep has run his course time for a change of manger and coaching staff for next season.
Rodrique: Disappointing end of a game which we should have seen out easily against a team who struggles to score goals. Title race not done yet because twists and turns could happen and they would. Let's pray for Arsenal to stumble and for City to win their remaining games.
Forest fans
Fosi: Great to see the fight back and the commitment, massive point! We need to cut out the mistakes and move the ball faster ! Expected to lose the game, well fought lads!
Luke: An excellent point and another performance that makes you wonder how we are where we are. Unfortunately this season, for every night like tonight there's been a night like Braga. We need to play this this for each of the remaining 9 games, and if we do we've got a chance.
Ken: The spirit shown in the second half must be carried into the remaining league games. If we do that, we should survive. Well played lads.
Sean: The team really had to put a shift in and they did. Fantastic effort and game plan from start to finish, there were even a couple of moments we could have snuck away with more. Really need to keep putting this kind of effort in now to stay up.
Ted: Manchester City didn't stumble, Forest were amazing. Awesome performance away from home. The fight was brilliant. We will stay up.
Haaland incident 'is a penalty'published at 08:58 GMT 5 March
08:58 GMT 5 March
Shamoon Hafez Football reporter
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Leading 2-1 in the second half, City's star striker Erling Haaland ran through on goal and went down after contact with Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels.
Referee Darren England did not award a penalty and video assistant referee Tony Harrington felt there was no need to overturn the decision.
It left City captain Bernardo Silva questioning the officials, telling TNT Sports: "We are used to this [happening] this season. All the 50-50s have gone against us.
"The Erling incident - for me it is a penalty. What can Erling do? This season we are used to it. We know how it works.
"Our job is to be better. These things we cannot control. What we can control is our own performances. That is what we must focus on."
Boss Pep Guardiola was not getting drawn into a discussion on the incident, adding: "I spoke weeks ago about that subject.
"I always believe that we have to do it much better so the officials don't intervene. It's our responsibility to do it better, we don't have to rely on them.
"Nothing more to say, I said it in the past."
Former City defender Micah Richards said on BBC Match of the Day: "It was a penalty, don't be so ridiculous. His face said it all. Sels takes him out, it is as simple as that."
But ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy said: "I don't think, just because there is contact that it is a penalty. It isn't a stonewall one."
'They are not the City of old'published at 08:05 GMT 5 March
08:05 GMT 5 March
Image source, Getty Images
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson says Manchester City are "stumbling" in the title race while Arsenal are "answering questions".
Wednesday could prove to be a pivotal night in the battle for the Premier League after City drew at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest while the Gunners ground out a 1-0 win at Brighton.
"I don't think many people would have seen that one coming tonight," Robinson told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.
"Forest have only won four away games all season.
"A lot has been said about Manchester City, we all expect them to go on that run and they have the home game against Arsenal which is being held up as the pivotal game.
"Actually they are not the City of old. We have seen that, we know there are chinks in their armour. They were on a great run, have an especially impressive home record, and you would have genuinely expected them to pick up the points.
"Three or four weeks ago I was in the City camp for the title race, thinking Pep thrives at this moment of the season, he enjoys it, and his teams seem to kick on.
"Both of them are competing in four competitions so there will still be twists and turns, but from an Arsenal point of view there are always questions as they haven't got it over the line and done it for so long. That finger will always be pointed and that question asked until they do it.
"But, the questions they are being asked they are answering. Manchester City are stumbling at times."
Gossip: Real Madrid distance themselves from Rodri movepublished at 07:19 GMT 5 March
07:19 GMT 5 March
Real Madrid have distanced themselves from a move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri, with one of the reasons being that the 29-year-old Spain international could cost at least 60m euros (£52m). (Sport - in Spanish), external
Hearts could eventually claim £2m from 16-year-old Keir McMeekin's imminent transfer to Manchester City, with the Scotland Under-17 midfielder poised to sign a pre-contract agreement before a summer move to the Premier League side. (Mail), external
Analysis: Title race tilts Arsenal's waypublished at 22:36 GMT 4 March
22:36 GMT 4 March
Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Pep Guardiola's side blinked first.
Manchester City led twice against Nottingham Forest but failed to see out the game and have dropped two priceless points as they aim to chase down Mikel Arteta's men.
Arsenal did their job on the south coast and the north London side now hold a sizeable lead at the summit, albeit City have a game in hand.
City extended their unbeaten run to 10 games in all competitions but this may turn out to be a critical gameweek – Antoine Semenyo and Rodri scored in each half but the side failed to see out a game against a Forest team that have been out of form.
Star striker Erling Haaland returned to the starting line-up and went round Matz Sels in the first half, but could only steer his shot into the side-netting.
The Norwegian looked to take a similar chance in the second period and appeared to be caught by goalkeeper Sels, but the referee Darren England did not award a spot-kick and video assistant referee Tony Harrington decided not to overturn the decision.
England World Cup hopeful Phil Foden was also back in the 11 – given a start in place of the injured Nico O'Reilly – but failed to make an impact on the game and his worrying form goes on, extending his barren run to 17 games without scoring.
Captain Bernardo Silva did superbly to shimmie in between two Forest players at the start of the second half but a low shot bound for the bottom corner was brilliantly tipped wide by Sels.
Semenyo curled a free-kick inches over during eight minutes of injury-time and Savinho saw an effort cleared off the line by Murillo with the last kick of the game, as City were left disappointed.
Man City 2-2 Nottingham Forest: What Guardiola and Silva saidpublished at 22:22 GMT 4 March
22:22 GMT 4 March
Media caption,
Pep Guardiola spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Manchester City's draw against Nottingham Forest: We did everything, we could do a little better, but it is what it is."
What could you do better?: "Score goals."
What things did you do well?: "In general there were many good things.
"I would like to concede fewer, but it's not about analysing one specific action. I never point fingers at my players. We did everything, had the chances at the end and in first half. The momentum. But something always happens and we could not win."
Bernardo Silva spoke to TNT Sports: "Quite frustrating because playing at home and twice we were leading and we couldn't keep the result. At the end we had a lot of chances, they went up twice and scored two goals. Sometimes football is like this.
"They are a good team, a very good team, with a lot of quality. Five at the back, normally they play four but they decide to go more defensive, more patient, it's always difficult to break through a block of five.
"They were patient enough to punish us when they were able to counter, we weren't stable enough in terms of not allowing them to find spaces. Especially at 2-1, we allowed them to run a few times.
"I feel we should have won today with the chances we created, but sometimes football is like this."
Bernardo Silva started his 350th match for Manchester City across all competitions tonight, becoming the first outfield player to reach 350+ starts under Pep Guardiola for any club and only the second player overall after Ederson (371 under Pep at Manchester City).
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Brighton v Arsenal" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v Man Utd", for instance.
Mfuni proving to be a loan diamondpublished at 16:07 GMT 4 March
16:07 GMT 4 March
Geoff Doyle BBC 3CR sports editor
Image source, Getty Images
They say to never fall in love with a loan signing, but for Watford fans this is proving to be difficult in the case of Stephen Mfuni.
The defender from Manchester City has just turned 18 years old, he's got a big, beaming smile and he's brilliant at football.
He came to Vicarage Road at the end of January when the then head coach Javi Gracia was hoping for an experienced centre-back. He got a teenager instead, and it left us wondering what a kid with no Championship experience could do to improve the team.
Mfuni's impact was instant. In his first game he oozed class, and it wasn't just his technical ability, which we kind of expected due to his City background, that impressed.
It was his drive, his determination and his willingness to defend like an experienced EFL player.
We then wondered whether there would be a dip in form... there hasn't been. He's hardly put a foot wrong.
He's a centre-back and left-footed, which makes him an even bigger asset.
Mfuni is 6ft 2in, elegant and silky, excellent with the ball at his feet, and is a natural when bringing the ball out from defence. He's slotted in at left-back seamlessly when required, and he's come close to scoring from set-pieces.
He has timing, balance and reads the game well, but he's tough too. He wins duels and battles.
Watching him make it look so easy against seasoned Championship campaigners leaves you feeling like a proud parent. I spoke to him recently, and what's also satisfying is that he's humble too.
Head coach Ed Still says he has no ceiling, he's that talented. Some Hornets fans believe he's the best loan signing they've ever had.
For someone so young to make such an impression means his potential is enormous.
If he continues on this trajectory, Manchester City have a diamond of a young player who could have a top future with them for years. Watford are enjoying watching him sparkle.
He surely won't be at Vicarage Road next season as he's already proved he's more than capable at Championship level. The Premier League will enjoy him instead, with either City or another Premier League team, who should be jumping at the chance to take him on loan.
Title race 'takes over your life'published at 15:00 GMT 4 March
15:00 GMT 4 March
Michael Emons BBC Sport journalist
Media caption,
MOTD pundits on if they'd rather hunt or be hunted in a title race
For Manchester City and boss Pep Guardiola, ending strongly to win a title is nothing new. Two seasons ago they went unbeaten through their last 23 league matches, winning 19 of them, to finish two points clear of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal.
City are also used to piling on the pressure before their title rivals play.
On the past 15 times when City have played a day before Arsenal, Guardiola's side have won 11 of them, with three draws and just one loss - a 2-1 defeat by Newcastle in November.
Former Gunners defender Martin Keown, a three-time Premier League winner, thinks how Arsenal, runners-up in each of the past three seasons, cope with the pressure will define their campaign.
"It's normal when you want something so much, sometimes it can get the better of you," said Keown. "But there's plenty of time to learn from it.
"They've not been in this situation where they've been in front too often. It's almost about doing a reset here, which they've talked about in the past. If we were starting the season afresh, you'd just go after your opponent and just finish the job off.
"You also have to trust your team-mates in the moment. You need to try to create a steely, calm determination."
Steve Bruce, who won three Premier League titles with Manchester United in the 1990s, said: "Arsenal have shown remarkable consistency so far.
"Every game, no matter where you play and who you play, it becomes difficult, especially if you're in a title race and especially if you're Arsenal, because they haven't won it in so long.
"What you want at this time is the big players to perform. I was fortunate enough to play in a team where a certain Frenchman came to the fore - we always thought 'Eric [Cantona] will get us out of trouble'."
Joe Hart, a two-time Premier League winner with Manchester City, added: "There will be a lot of questions, a lot of noise on Arsenal - that is life at the top. There is no point in worrying, you have to live in your own world.
"They know what is coming in their rear-view mirror. Arsenal have been in this situation before though, they know what they need to do."
Manchester City v Nottingham Forest: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 09:08 GMT 4 March
09:08 GMT 4 March
Tom McCoy BBC Sport journalist
Manchester City go in search of a seventh consecutive win in all competitions, hosting relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest. BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Wednesday's match (19:30 GMT).
Semenyo shining for City
No Erling Haaland, no problem. Manchester City were without their top scorer for the visit to Leeds – the city where the Norwegian was born – but nonetheless recorded another important victory to keep the pressure on leaders Arsenal.
Perhaps it should be no surprise. City have won 14 of the 18 top-flight fixtures Haaland has missed since arriving in 2022, losing only twice.
Manager Pep Guardiola hailed the result as a "huge victory", praising his team's "incredible focus" after surviving sustained late pressure at Elland Road. Grinding out victories has become something of a hallmark for this current City side, who have won three of their past four league games by a single-goal margin.
While defender Marc Guehi played a crucial role in City hanging on to their lead on Saturday, it was fellow January signing Antoine Semenyo who was the match-winner. The Ghana international has scored six times in 11 league and cup appearances since joining from Bournemouth for an initial £62.5m, helping to relieve the goalscoring burden on Haaland.
Overall, he has been directly involved in 18 Premier League goals this season, scoring 14 and assisting four more. Only three players had higher figures prior to the latest round of fixtures.
Can Igor Jesus find his scoring touch in the Premier League?
Nottingham Forest have lost their three Premier League matches at the Etihad Stadium by an aggregate score of 11-0 and new boss Vitor Pereira believes his struggling team must "approach this game with intelligence", stressing they need to recognise "when it's not the time to press".
Pereira's cautious approach may be understandable given he has not celebrated a Premier League win since last April, when his Wolves side defeated Leicester 3-0. But if Forest are to stay up, more cutting edge will be needed. Their tally of 26 goals this season is the second lowest in the top flight, with only Wolves having netted fewer.
Chris Wood led the line effectively last term, hitting 20 Premier League goals, but has not played since October because of a knee injury. Forest have therefore turned to Igor Jesus, who joined from Botafogo last summer for £10m. While the 25-year-old is his side's top scorer this season he has struggled to make an impact when it matters most.
Ten of his 12 goals have come in cup competitions, where he has demonstrated elite finishing, scoring with 35.7% of his shots and outperforming his expected goals figure by more than four.
But it has been a very different story in the Premier League. While he has attempted 50 shots, only 10 have been on target and just two have resulted in goals – a paltry shot conversion rate of 4%.
