Eddie Howe targets FA Cup glory as Newcastle brace for Man City battle

Newcastle host City at St James' Park in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday night, marking the fifth meeting between the two sides this season. Despite a difficult league campaign, Howe made it clear that chasing silverware remains a major priority for his team.

"Yes, possibly," Howe said when asked if the FA Cup now represents Newcastle's best chance of securing European football next season. "But we just want to try and win. There are by-products behind winning and progressing in competitions, but we can't think about it like that. We want the glory of trying to win a trophy."

Newcastle's focus on cup success follows last season's historic triumph in the Carabao Cup, which ended the club's 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy. However, their title defence ended last month when City knocked them out in the semi-finals.

Howe admitted the draw has handed his side a major challenge.

"The hard bit is navigating the rounds to get there, and there is none harder than this," he said. "We've been given the hardest tie we could have been."

The two clubs have already produced several intense battles this season. Newcastle beat City 2-1 in the Premier League earlier in the campaign, but Pep Guardiola's side have since won the next three meetings, including both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final and the return league fixture at the Etihad Stadium.

Howe also spoke about his respect for City boss Pep Guardiola, particularly the Spaniard's habit of speaking with opposition players after matches.

"That's something Pep does with lots of players, it's not personal to us," Howe explained. "He's a football man and has different relationships with different players.

"I really respect Pep, what he does and how he coaches. His teams have been fantastic for the Premier League and fantastic for football. I think he is a revolutionary. Those conversations are just part of his psychology."

Newcastle's preparations have been slightly disrupted by suspension and injury concerns. Midfielder Jacob Ramsey will miss the match after being sent off in the midweek league victory over Manchester United.

However, striker Nick Woltemade could return after recovering from illness, while full-back Tino Livramento is close to full fitness following a hamstring injury that has kept him out for almost two months.

With a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals at stake, Howe made it clear his side will not hold back.

"The players' mindset has always been to try to win every game," he said. "When you represent this club, that has to be the attitude. We'll try to win the game and see where it takes us."

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