Phil Foden and Manchester City face Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Saturday, March 7, 2026, in the fifth round of the FA Cup. Pep Guardiola’s side arrive on Tyneside with kickoff set for 3 p.m. Eastern Time, and the numbers reveal a side that has won three consecutive fixtures against this opponent.
Newcastle vs. Man City: Head-to-Head Context
Newcastle and Manchester City have met four times already this season before Saturday’s cup encounter, making this fixture the fifth between the two clubs in 2025-26. Eddie Howe’s side claimed a Premier League victory at their own ground last November, but City have taken three straight wins against Newcastle since that result. That sequence hands Guardiola’s squad a clear psychological advantage heading into the tie.
The Geordie faithful will hope that home noise can disrupt City’s rhythm and help their side snap that losing run. Film of those three City victories shows Newcastle’s defensive structure being bypassed through progressive midfield passing, an area where Phil Foden operates with particular influence. Howe’s high press was circumvented with regularity across all three defeats, and the pattern has left Newcastle searching for answers against this specific opponent. Whether Howe adjusts his setup or trusts the same system will define Newcastle’s approach on Saturday.
Phil Foden’s ability to combine with City’s forwards in tight spaces makes him a persistent threat against a Newcastle side that defends deep in cup football. He thrives in the half-spaces between Newcastle’s defensive and midfield lines, precisely the zones Guardiola’s system targets. When City build through the thirds against a mid-block, Foden drifts inward from wide positions to collect the ball directly in front of the opposition penalty area.
Against Newcastle’s back four, that movement has historically generated goal contributions and pulled defenders out of position. If Howe deploys a compact five-man defensive line, City may need width from their full-backs rather than relying on Foden’s central runs alone. Squad rotation adds further uncertainty to the team selection picture. Guardiola has used this competition to rest senior players at various points during the campaign.
Broadcast Details: How to Watch in the United States
The match is broadcast live on ESPN+ and the ESPN app on Saturday, March 7. Viewers can access the stream by downloading the ESPN app, signing in with an ESPN account, and subscribing to ESPN Select.
Kickoff times across North America break down as follows: 2 p.m. Central, 1 p.m. Mountain, and noon Pacific on March 7. ESPN+ provides the primary legal streaming route for supporters watching from North America who cannot attend the match in person.
Newcastle United host Manchester City on Saturday, March 7, 2026, with kickoff at 3 p.m. ET.
Saturday’s cup meeting is the fifth fixture between these two clubs in the 2025-26 season across all competitions.
Eddie Howe’s side won their most recent home Premier League clash against City last November but have dropped three consecutive matches against Guardiola’s squad since.
The match streams live in the United States on ESPN+ and the ESPN app, with an ESPN Select subscription required.
Central Time kickoff is 2 p.m., Mountain Time is 1 p.m., and Pacific Time is noon on March 7.
What Progression Means for Both Clubs
For Manchester City and Phil Foden, advancing past Newcastle would secure an FA Cup quarterfinal berth and preserve a realistic path to domestic cup glory. City have targeted this competition as a priority given the pressures elsewhere in their schedule. The FA Cup carries particular prestige in the English football calendar, and a deep run would lift the mood around the club.
For Newcastle, reaching the last eight would represent a genuine achievement under Howe. It would signal cup ambition to a fanbase hungry for silverware. City have consistently blended squad players alongside established names like Foden in this competition, giving Guardiola tactical flexibility across the later rounds.
Newcastle’s home form, and that November Premier League victory, offers Howe’s squad real belief that an upset is within reach. The atmosphere at St James’ Park and Newcastle’s defensive organisation make them a credible obstacle even against one of Europe’s most structured sides. The fifth round has a long record of producing upsets, and this tie fits that pattern squarely.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the FA Cup fifth-round match between Newcastle and Manchester City?
The match is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026, with kickoff at 3 p.m. Eastern Time at St James’ Park in Newcastle.
Where can US viewers watch Phil Foden and Man City vs Newcastle in the FA Cup?
The match is broadcast live in the United States on ESPN+ and the ESPN app. Viewers need an ESPN account and an ESPN Select subscription to access the stream.
How many times have Newcastle and Manchester City met this season?
Saturday’s cup tie is the fifth meeting between the two clubs in the 2025-26 season across all competitions.
What is Newcastle’s recent record against Manchester City?
Newcastle won their most recent home Premier League fixture against City last November, but have lost three consecutive matches against Guardiola’s side since.
What kickoff time is the Newcastle vs Man City cup match in other US time zones?
The match kicks off at 2 p.m. Central Time, 1 p.m. Mountain Time, and noon Pacific Time on March 7.
