The last time these two sides met was in March, when City cruised to a 2-0 win at home in the FA Cup quarter-finals, thanks to a brace from Bernardo Silva.
Newcastle started their Premier League campaign strong with 10 points from their first four games, but their performance hasn't been entirely convincing. Last weekend, they suffered their first defeat of the season, losing 3-1 to Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Fulham got off to a fast start with goals from Raul Jimenez and Emile Smith Rowe in the first 22 minutes.
Newcastle's Harvey Barnes managed to pull one back just after the break, marking his third goal in three games. However, Fulham sealed the win in stoppage time with a goal from Reiss Nelson.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe called the loss their "worst performance" of the season. Despite sitting sixth in the table and only three points from the top, Newcastle fans know their team needs to step up if they want to stay near the top.
Newcastle was supposed to play AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Cup third round on Tuesday, but the match was postponed after flooding damaged the pitch. The game will now take place on October 1 at St James' Park, with Chelsea awaiting the winner in the fourth round.
Meanwhile, Man City had just 49 hours to recover after their thrilling 2-2 draw with Arsenal before facing Watford in the EFL Cup.
Pep Guardiola made nine changes to his lineup, but City still managed a 2-1 victory, with goals from Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes. Watford nearly staged a late comeback, but City held on.
City now turn their focus back to the Premier League, where they’ve been on a 24-game unbeaten run in 2024, the second-longest from the start of a calendar year in Premier League history.
They’ll be confident heading into Saturday’s match, as they’ve beaten Newcastle more than any other team in the league, winning 31 games, 12 away matches, and scoring 101 goals against them.
However, Newcastle is unbeaten in their last 10 home games, though City was the last team to defeat them at St James' Park, with a 3-2 victory in January.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Newcastle will be without Callum Wilson (back), Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles (both with knee issues), and Lewis Miley (ankle), with Wilson not expected back until after the next international break.Eddie Howe might shake things up at full-back, with Valentino Livramento and Lewis Hall potentially replacing Kieran Trippier and Lloyd Kelly. In midfield, Sandro Tonali could challenge Joe Willock for his first Premier League start of the season.
Harvey Barnes, who’s been in good form, is likely to keep his spot on the left wing, joining Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak in the front three. Both Gordon and Isak have managed just one goal each in Newcastle's first five league matches.
On the Manchester City side, they’ll be without key midfielder Rodri, who’s sidelined with a knee ligament injury that could keep him out for the rest of the season.
Oscar Bobb (leg fracture) and Nathan Ake (muscle injury) are also out, while Kevin De Bruyne, who missed the last two games with a groin issue, remains doubtful and will be assessed before the game.
After rotating heavily for City's midweek EFL Cup win over Watford, Pep Guardiola is expected to bring back several of his first-team regulars, including goalkeeper Ederson, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, and Erling Haaland, who’s already netted 10 goals in just five Premier League matches this season.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Gordon, Isak, Barnes
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Lewis, Kovacic; Savinho, Bernardo, Gundogan, Doku; Haaland
EXPERT PREDICTION
Newcastle 2-3 Manchester City
Even without their key midfielder, City still boasts plenty of depth, and Guardiola has the talent to cover the gap.
With Haaland leading the attack, it's hard to bet against the reigning champions securing another victory over the Magpies.
