The FA Cup 5th round draw has thrown up a familiar tie for Newcastle United fans, as they once again face Manchester City in a domestic cup.
Like many Newcastle fans, I joked in the days leading up to the draw, words to the effect of “watch, we’ll get Man City”.
And with good reason. Monday’s FA Cup draw means that the Magpies have now been drawn against City four times over the last six seasons in domestic cup competitions.
You just knew it, didn’t you?
Familiar foes
| Season | Competition | Round1 | Winner | Result |
| 2025/26 | League Cup | Semi-Final | Man City | 5-1 (on aggregate) |
| 2023/24 | FA Cup | Quarter-Final | Man City | 2-0 |
| 2023/24 | League Cup | 3rd Round | Newcastle | 1-0 |
| 2019/20 | FA Cup | Quarter-Final | Man City | 0-2 |
Manchester City have the advantage in terms of recent cup meetings between the sides, winning four of the five games.
They also beat Newcastle in the same stage of the FA Cup in July 2020, the fixture coming later than usual that year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
More recently, The Citizens ended Newcastle’s defence of the Carabao Cup with a clinical display at The Etihad earlier this month.
“Actually Disgusting”
Monday’s FA Cup draw means that the two sides will now have met five times this season alone, with City emerging victorious on four of those occasions.
Somewhat understandably, Newcastle fans are more than a bit sick of bumping into the Sky Blues.
Immediately after the draw, the Toon Army took to Twitter to vent their frustration:
- “That’s actually disgusting,” raged @MiggysRightPeg
- “I’m done watching us play City this season. Just gonna pretend it’s not happening. #NUFC” said @_markreynolds
- “Should of put everything I own in life on us drawing Manchester City in the next round. Ana you have to beat the best to win but still, they must be raging we still beat Aston Villa despite playing against 14 men!” fumed the somewhat onomatopoeiac @MadGeordie3
Is there a chance?
Despite Newcastle’s poor record against Manchester City in cup competition, and in general, Eddie Howe and his team can take some comfort from the fact that they beat City at St James’ Park in the Premier League earlier this season.
The Magpies ran out 2-1 winners back in November, thanks to a brace from Harvey Barnes.
And there is a sense that, following their inconsistent league form and exit from the Carabao Cup, the FA Cup now represents a chance to salvage a difficult season for Eddie Howe.
