The atmosphere was fantastic against Man United but Eddie Howe knows that the players hold the key to unlocking that again
A large banner of Newcastle United's manager Eddie Howe is displayed in the crowd prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Newcastle United FC and Qarabag
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Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has told his players it is up to them to dictate the atmosphere ahead of their FA Cup fifth round encounter with Man City.
William Osula's winner raised the roof at the Gallowgate End on Wednesday night and Howe will be hoping that transfers to the last 16 battle with Man City. The head coach is in confident mood going into the evening game where the 8pm kick off could prove an advantage.
Howe said: "The crowd react to us. It is our duty to set the tone and I felt we did that against Manchester United, with a bright start, energetic and positive in our outlook trying to score and attack in the right way.
"The crowd then backed us to the very end and helped us get us over the line to win that game. We need a ferocious St James’ Park but that's going to come from our body language and start to the game."
Newcastle go again with Man City after facing them twice in the Premier League and twice in the Carabao Cup. United won the Premier League clash at St James' earlier this season but then lost the cup games and the top-flight fixture at the Etihad Stadium.
Howe said: “The games against Manchester City have all been close. We've have had chances against them. I don't think we've been as clinical as we need to be to win those games and, of course defensively, we need to be watertight.
"They're always going to test you. They are a difficult team to pin down in every moment. It will be a proper FA Cup tie where it's one of those end-to-end games. That will suit us and we will need to get the crowd involved."
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