Currently, there's an eleven-point difference between these two teams in the league standings, with Manchester City holding the third position and Newcastle United positioned in ninth place.
After a challenging end to 2023, including three consecutive defeats and a 4-2 loss to Liverpool in the opening game of the New Year, Newcastle found relief by securing a crucial 3-0 away victory against Sunderland in the FA Cup third round last weekend.
Despite an injury crisis forcing manager Eddie Howe to field a strong starting lineup, Alexander Isak's brace and an own goal from Dan Ballard helped Newcastle secure a win over their rivals for the first time since 2011.
Newcastle's next FA Cup challenge is against Fulham in the fourth round, but their immediate focus is on Saturday's match against Manchester City. In their most recent encounter four months ago in the EFL Cup, Newcastle emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, thanks to a second-half strike from Isak.
However, Newcastle's Premier League record against Manchester City is not favorable, with only one win, five draws, and 26 losses in their last 32 top-flight meetings.
A loss on Saturday would mark Newcastle's 10th defeat of the season in the Premier League, double the number from the previous season. It could also see them fall 14 points behind the top four, hampering their chances of securing Champions League football for the next season.
On the other hand, FA Cup holders Manchester City secured a spot in the fourth round by defeating Huddersfield Town 5-0, extending their unbeaten run to eight matches in all competitions.
Kevin De Bruyne's return from injury grabbed headlines as he assisted Jeremy Doku's goal after brace from Phil Foden, a strike from Julian Alvarez, and an own goal from Ben Jackson. Before facing Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round, Pep Guardiola's side aims to secure maximum points at St James' Park to close the five-point gap with Premier League leaders Liverpool, who have played an extra game.
After a challenging period towards the end of 2023, Manchester City has turned their fortunes around impressively in recent weeks, winning their last five games in all competitions with a cumulative score of 17-1.
The Citizens approach Saturday's game with confidence, boasting 30 wins, 98 goals, and 22 clean sheets against Newcastle, making them the most successful opponent in Manchester City's Premier League history.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Newcastle manager Howe has confirmed that Joelinton will be sidelined for at least six weeks due to a thigh injury sustained against Sunderland. The Brazilian joins a growing list of injured players, including Callum Wilson, Matt Targett (both hamstring), Nick Pope, Jacob Murphy (both shoulder), Joe Willock (Achilles), Harvey Barnes (foot), Elliot Anderson (back), and Javi Manquillo (groin).With Joelinton out, 17-year-old Lewis Miley, who made his senior debut in the EFL Cup win against Man City four months ago, is expected to start in center-midfield alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff. Fabian Schar, who recently extended his contract, is likely to continue in the back four alongside Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, and Dan Burn. The front three of Isak, Miguel Almiron, and Anthony Gordon is set to remain unchanged.
For Manchester City, Guardiola has confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne is ready to start his first match since August after recovering from a hamstring injury. However, Erling Haaland (foot) and John Stones (ankle) remain sidelined, and Jack Grealish is a minor doubt due to illness.
Manuel Akanji is also a minor doubt after a knee issue forced him off in the first half against Huddersfield, although he has returned to training this week. Bernardo Silva and Kalvin Phillips, who missed the last match due to illness, are expected to be fit for the weekend.
In defense, Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake are likely to be recalled, with Ederson returning between the goalposts. In center-midfield, Rodri could be partnered by either Mateo Kovacic or Rico Lewis. The potential return of Bernardo may see him replace Oscar Bobb on the right flank, joining the in-form Phil Foden, who has scored four goals in his last four matches, and Julian Alvarez in the attacking trio.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Miley; Almiron, Isak, Gordon
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Bernardo, Foden, Grealish; Alvarez
EXPERT PREDICTION
Newcastle United 1-2 Manchester City
Newcastle needs to avoid dropping more points in the Premier League if they aim to stay in the race for European spots, have already secured a victory against Man City at home this season. They also put up a strong fight in a narrow 1-0 loss at the Etihad back in August. Considering these performances, especially in front of a lively crowd at St James' Park, it's clear that they can't be underestimated.
However, the Citizens seem to be hitting their stride at a crucial juncture, with key players returning from injuries. Taking this, along with their impressive track record against Newcastle, into consideration, we believe that the reigning champions will find a way to secure maximum points on Saturday.
