Manchester City ‘won’t win treble’ as pundits agree on Newcastle United worry

Pundits Chris Sutton and Paul Merson believe Manchester City will comfortably beat Newcastle United in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

Pep Guardiola's side have picked up three wins in their last five league games but shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw with Liverpool last time out. The result at Anfield meant that City were unable to move to the top of the Premier League table.

With City chasing trophy success on every front, Guardiola is expected to field his strongest team. After winning the competition last year during their treble campaign, City remain favourites to repeat that feat.

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The Magpies, meanwhile, have a depleted squad, with key players such as Kieran Trippier, Joelinton, Callum Wilson, Nick Pope, Harvey Barnes and Sandro Tonali all ruled out for the match. There are also doubts over Anthony Gordon's fitness after he was forced off with a knee injury in the defeat at Chelsea on Monday night.

Ahead of the match, MEN Sport takes a look at what both Sutton and Merson have said.

Sutton told BBC Sport: "Liverpool gave Manchester City a bit of a going over at times in the second half at Anfield last weekend - but I just don't see Newcastle doing the same to them at the Etihad.

"Pep Guardiola always goes strong in the FA Cup and, even with Kevin de Bruyne out injured, City will be hard to stop. I am expecting to see Erling Haaland back on the scoresheet after he bagged five against Luton in the last round.

"City are my tip to go and win the FA Cup again this year. They won't do another Treble though."

Sutton's prediction: Manches