Fifth-placed Manchester City welcome sixth-placed Newcastle United to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday for a crucial Premier League clash that could have major implications on the top-four race.
Both teams enter this fixture in contrasting moods. Manchester City suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Real Madrid in their Champions League playoff first leg on Tuesday, marking another late-game collapse in a season that has seen them struggle to maintain leads. Guardiola’s side also lost their last league match 5-1 to Arsenal, leaving them 18 points behind leaders Liverpool and two points adrift of the Champions League spots.
Despite their struggles, City have an outstanding record against Newcastle, winning their last 15 home league meetings against the Magpies. However, their inconsistency this season makes this a challenging test.
Newcastle, meanwhile, are enjoying a fine run of away form, winning their last four Premier League matches on the road, including victories over Manchester United, Tottenham, and Arsenal. Their impressive away streak will be tested at a stadium where they have not won in over two decades. Eddie Howe’s men come into this match on the back of a 3-2 FA Cup win over Birmingham City, with momentum on their side as they continue their push for a top-four finish.
Team News
Manchester City
City will be without key defender Manuel Akanji, who is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining an adductor injury. Jack Grealish also remains a doubt after being forced off against Real Madrid, while Nico Gonzalez and Oscar Bobb will be assessed before kickoff.
Nathan Ake, who returned from injury in midweek, is likely to start in defense, while Guardiola may rotate his midfield and attacking options, with Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, and Jeremy Doku all pushing for starts.
Newcastle United
Newcastle have several injury concerns, with Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, and Joelinton all unavailable. However, Anthony Gordon and Dan Burn could return to the squad after recovering from their respective injuries.
Martin Dubravka and Nick Pope are competing for a starting spot in goal, while Alexander Isak, who has scored 10 of his 17 Premier League goals away from home, is set to lead the attack.
Probable Lineups
Manchester City:
Ortega; Nunes, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Gonzalez, Kovacic; Savinho, Foden, Marmoush; Haaland
Newcastle United:
Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Gordon
