While the Magpies put on a remarkable display against Sheffield United, Manchester City secured a 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest in their previous match, maintaining their perfect start to the 2023-24 season. Newcastle made history during their last game by having eight different players score in a Premier League match for the first time ever.
Additionally, it marked their largest away victory in the Premier League era. The goals from Sean Longstaff, Dan Burn, and Sven Botman put Newcastle in a commanding position before half-time, and Callum Wilson, Anthony Gordon, Miguel Almiron, Bruno Guimaraes, and Alexander Isak all added to the tally in the second half, completing the demolition of Sheffield United.
Eddie Howe's side had a sluggish start to the season, losing three of their first four matches. However, they have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks, securing a 1-0 victory against Brentford and playing to a goalless draw against AC Milan before their record-breaking win against Sheffield United.
Suddenly, Newcastle seems to have recaptured the form that took them to last season's EFL Cup final and secured a top-four finish in the Premier League. This resurgence has given them confidence that they can put a halt to Manchester City's winning streak this season.
In Manchester City's previous game, they raced to a 2-0 lead within the first 14 minutes, making it appear as though Nottingham Forest might endure another heavy defeat at the Etihad Stadium. However, a red card for Rodri after an altercation with Morgan Gibbs-White less than a minute into the second half changed the dynamics of the match. Despite playing with 10 men, Guardiola's side managed to maintain a clean sheet and secure the victory.
As a result, Manchester City is the only team in the Premier League with a flawless record this season, with six consecutive wins to start their campaign. Their goalkeeper, Ederson, has only conceded three goals, contributing to their status as the best defensive team in the division.
It's important to note that Manchester City has a rich history in the EFL Cup, winning it six times in the last 10 seasons, including four consecutive triumphs between 2018 and 2021. Therefore, Guardiola and his players are well aware of what it takes to go all the way in this competition.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
During Sunday's match at Bramall Lane, Newcastle winger Harvey Barnes had to leave the game just 12 minutes in due to a toe injury. However, the exact seriousness of his injury is still uncertain at this point.Barnes now joins the list of injured Newcastle players, including Joelinton, Joe Willock, and Emil Krafth. On a positive note, the backup goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has returned to full fitness after recovering from an illness.
In Sunday's match against Sheffield United, Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak, Lewis Hall, and Tino Livramento all came off the bench. This suggests that several fringe players might get a chance to start in the upcoming match on Wednesday as manager Eddie Howe aims to keep the squad fresh.
As for Manchester City, Kevin De Bruyne is still sidelined with a long-term thigh injury. Additionally, Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, and John Stones are expected to miss the midweek game.
With Rodri suspended, there is a possibility that Kalvin Phillips may get a rare start in City's midfield as manager Pep Guardiola makes adjustments to the starting lineup. However, 18-year-old talent Rico Lewis and new signing Matheus Nunes are also viable options to fill the void in the midfield.
Erling Haaland, who has already scored eight goals in six Premier League appearances this season, will continue to lead the line for Manchester City. However, his playing time might be managed due to City's busy schedule, potentially allowing Julian Alvarez more time on the field.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Tonali; Murphy, Isak, Gordon
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ortega; Lewis, Akanji, Ake, Gomes; Nunes, Phillips; Foden, Alvarez, Grealish; Haaland
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
Newcastle United 1-3 Manchester City
While we anticipate that Newcastle will put up a strong fight against Guardiola's team, we believe that City will showcase their strength and secure a place in the next round with a hard-fought victory.
