Newcastle will face Manchester City in the Premier League's key clash at St James' Park on Saturday, with a victory on home soil potentially providing a significant boost in confidence.
Following a challenging period before the Club World Cup, Pep Guardiola's team seems to be regaining their form. With the returns of Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku in their recent FA Cup win against Huddersfield, the reigning champions have secured two consecutive victories. Their visit to St James' Park comes at an opportune moment, with high expectations.
Under Eddie Howe's management, Newcastle has primarily found success through their home performances. However, they suffered a defeat to Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day and subsequently lost to Liverpool. Despite these setbacks, confidence may have been restored following their recent FA Cup triumph over Sunderland.
Here’s everything you need to know about the game.
Prediction
Man City are on the right track, their last defeat came against Aston Villa on December 7 and they have, since then, won seven matches and drew only one. While a trip to St James' Park is always a challenge, Guardiola's troops are expected to overcome to hosts given their current form.
Prediction: Newcastle United 1-4 Manchester City
Team News
Newcastle's injury list remains extensive, with Joelinton, Jacob Murphy, Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock, Callum Wilson, and Nick Pope all unavailable. Minimal changes are anticipated from their previous win against Sunderland.
Guardiola suggested that Erling Haaland has an outside chance of making a long-awaited comeback. Although De Bruyne and Doku are back, John Stones remains injured. Fortunately, Bernardo Silva is expected to recover from illness.
Head-to-head
The two sides have met each other for a total of 190 times. Newcastle emerged victorious in 73 matches and Man City managed to win 76, while 41 encounters ended in a draw.
Predicted lineups
Newcastle (4-3-3)
Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Miley; Almiron, Isak, Gordon
Manchester City (4-2-3-1)
Ederson; Walker, Dias, Gvardiol, Ake; Kovacic, Rodri; De Bruyne, Foden, Doku; Alvarez