Two of the Premier League’s big winners on the opening weekend square off in an intriguing Etihad encounter on Saturday night, as Manchester City host Newcastle United.
The Magpies demolished Aston Villa 5-1 at St James’ Park last weekend, while Pep Guardiola’s side recently clinched UEFA Super Cup glory against Sevilla.
Team News
Manchester City
- Not long after his Champions League final appearance ended prematurely, Kevin De Bruyne aggravated that previous hamstring problem in the win over Burnley. As a result, the Belgium international will be missing for the next three to four months as he recovers.
- However, Palmer has been a more than capable deputy for his revered teammate so far this term, and Guardiola also welcomed John Stones and Ruben Dias back to the matchday squad against Sevilla, where Josko Gvardiol made his first start in sky blue.
- Stones has since picked up a fresh muscular problem and will miss out, though, while Dias is only rated as a “maybe” following his recent head injury.
- Bernardo Silva remains out with an illness too, but several alterations should still be considered by Guardiola for Saturday’s game given the tight turnaround time, as Julian Alvarez and Rico Lewis also eye returns to the first XI.
Newcastle United
- While Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings sustained a serious knee injury at St James’ Park last week, Newcastle came out of that 5-1 win with no new fitness concerns, leaving Emil Krafth (knee), Joe Willock (hamstring) and Javier Manquillo (groin) on the sidelines, while Lewis Hall’s imminent move from Chelsea has not been concluded in time for him to make his debut.
- None of the trio would have been expected to force their way into the first XI at the Etihad, though, as Howe will inevitably keep faith with the majority of his star performers from last weekend, but he still has a few attacking conundrums to solve.
- Having come off the bench to register a goal and assist on his official Magpies debut, Barnes should give Anthony Gordon a good run for his money. But Wilson’s strike as a substitute is unlikely to earn him a start over the in-form Isak.
Possible Lineup
Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Gvardiol, Lewis; Rodri, Kovacic; Foden, Alvarez, Grealish; Haaland
Newcastle United: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Barnes
Prediction Analysis
There were plenty of goals in this fixture 12 months ago. Moreover, a similarly entertaining encounter could ensue on Saturday, as Howe’s goal-happy Newcastle should take plenty of encouragement from watching Sevilla’s bright attacking display in the Super Cup.
Man City’s midweek fatigue and absence of De Bruyne will do them no favors either. But a rejigged squad should still have too much firepower for Newcastle, who are not the same dogged defensive unit they once were.
Our prediction is Manchester City 3-2 Newcastle United