Kick-off: 1730, 16/02/2019
Stadium: Rodney Parade
TV: BT Sport
FA Cup ties don’t come much more romantic than Newport hosting Manchester City and we’re hoping the hosts enjoy an occasional flurry on their big day.
League Two outfit County appear to be facing mission impossible in terms of getting through, but bagging a consolation goal could be within their compass.
The Rodney Parade pitch, which is also used for rugby union matches, may prove a slight leveller and 13/10 for both teams to score is our opening Newport vs Man City prediction.
A Look At Newport County’s Betting Odds
Newport have already claimed two decent scalps here in previous rounds, beating Leicester 2-1 and then seeing off Middlesbrough 2-0 in a replay.
The Exiles can also take heart from last season’s FA Cup exploits, when edging out Leeds 2-1 at this venue and drawing 1-1 against Tottenham before bowing out at Wembley.
Goalkeeper Joe Day, who became a father to twins after the Boro game, is County’s record signing at £30,000, so that highlights the gulf in class.
However, Newport dominated the Teessiders in Wales earlier this month, with old-fashioned winger Robbie Willmott really catching the eye, and Michael Flynn will be hoping for more of the same passion.
The manager said of that victory: “It’s nothing more than we deserved, we were absolutely outstanding. We should have scored more than twice too.”
If Willmott can get the ball into the box again, Padraig Almond has always been able to sniff out an opportunity to pounce.
The visitors are still expected to prove a cut above, though, so 21/2 for a 3-1 away win appeals from the Newport vs Man City odds.
A Look At Manchester City’s Betting Odds
Pep Guardiola fielded a strong side when City thrashed Rotherham 7-0 and Burnley 5-0 at Etihad Stadium in the last couple of rounds.
The Spaniard does seem happy to keep pushing his star players in knockout competitions, but even he may be tempted to ring the changes this time.
Playing key figures on such a heavy surface prior to Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Schalke and the EFL Cup final with Chelsea would be risky.
City were less impressive when only winning 1-0 in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi against Burton after Guardiola shuffled his pack.
The Blues have been experts at striking early of late, but we think it may take a fresh line-up longer to settle into their rhythm.
Let’s add 11/10 for under two goals in the first half to our Newport vs Man City betting tips, before things open up more after the break.
Additional stats
Last FA Cup result:
NEWPORT 2-0 Middlesbrough – Robbie Willmott, Padraig Almond
MAN CITY 5-0 Burnley – Gabriel Jesus, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Kevin Long (og), Sergio Aguero (pen)
Head-to-head: N/A
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