Newcastle had a smashing 5-1 win against Aston Villa at their home ground, St James' Park, last weekend. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola's team recently secured victory in the UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla. Just ten days after scoring a great goal in the Community Shield game against Arsenal (even though it didn't count), Cole Palmer repeated his success by scoring against Sevilla, helping his team equalize after Youssef En-Nesyri had scored first.
Despite the Europa League champions creating many chances against the Champions League winners, the Super Cup fate was decided by penalties. Nemanja Gudelj hit the crossbar, making way for nine successful spot kicks.
You know how sometimes you wait for a bus for a long time, and then suddenly two come at once? Well, Man City fans went through years of frustration in European competitions, and then in just two months, their team won two major trophies. After their Super Cup victory, they started their Premier League campaign with a convincing 3-0 win over Burnley.
On the first matchday, former player and now Burnley's manager, Vincent Kompany, tried to surprise Man City, but Erling Haaland's two goals quickly dashed those hopes. Rodri added another goal to make it a comfortable victory.
While Man City's 3-0 win against Burnley is good enough for third place in the current Premier League standings, Newcastle, under Eddie Howe's management, lead the table due to their impressive 5-1 win against Aston Villa.
Despite Moussa Diaby initially canceling out Sandro Tonali's opener, Newcastle exposed Unai Emery's high defensive line and dominated the game, scoring through Alexander Isak's double, Callum Wilson's goal, and Harvey Barnes's injury-time strike.
With 37 games remaining, Newcastle is ahead of both Man City and Brighton & Hove Albion on goal difference. European football is on the horizon, but for now, repairing their underwhelming away record is a priority for Eddie Howe's team.
Although their unbeaten Premier League streak now stands at five matches after the 5-1 victory over Villa, Newcastle managed to win just one of their last four away games in the 2022-23 season. They've also conceded goals in each of their last nine away matches since a goalless draw with Crystal Palace in January.
Almost a year has passed since Newcastle and Manchester City played out an exciting 3-3 draw at St James' Park. However, Man City had an easier time at the Etihad with a 2-0 victory in March, and they haven't lost to Newcastle since January 2019 when Rafael Benitez was in charge and a Matt Ritchie penalty made all the difference.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Shortly after his Champions League final appearance was cut short, Kevin De Bruyne aggravated his previous hamstring issue in the Burnley victory. Unfortunately, the Belgian star will be absent for the next three to four months while he recovers.Fortunately, Palmer has proven more than capable as a replacement for his esteemed teammate this season. Guardiola was also pleased to have John Stones and Ruben Dias back in the squad against Sevilla. Although Josko Gvardiol made his first start in the blue jersey during that match, Stones has encountered a new muscular problem and will be unavailable. Dias, recovering from a recent head injury, is labeled as a "maybe."
Bernardo Silva continues to be sidelined due to illness. Despite the limited time for recovery between matches, Guardiola might consider several changes for Saturday's game. Julian Alvarez and Rico Lewis are also looking to make their way back into the starting lineup.
Following Tyrone Mings' serious knee injury at St James' Park, Aston Villa suffered setbacks, but Newcastle emerged unscathed from their 5-1 win. Emil Krafth (knee), Joe Willock (hamstring), and Javier Manquillo (groin) remain unavailable. Although Lewis Hall's move from Chelsea is imminent, he won't be making his debut just yet.
None of the trio were expected to break into the starting lineup at the Etihad. Eddie Howe is likely to stick with most of his standout performers from the last match. However, he still has some decisions to make in the attacking department.
After coming off the bench to score a goal and assist in his official debut for the Magpies, Barnes is likely to give Anthony Gordon a tough competition. Despite Callum Wilson's goal as a substitute, it's unlikely he'll replace the in-form Alexander Isak in the starting lineup.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Manchester City possible starting lineup:Ederson; Walker, Dias, Gvardiol, Lewis; Rodri, Kovacic; Foden, Alvarez, Grealish; Haaland
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:
Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Barnes
EXPERT PREDICTION
Man City 2-1 Newcastle
Lots of goals were scored in this match last year, and we might see another exciting game this Saturday. Howe's Newcastle, known for scoring goals, could feel inspired by Sevilla's strong attack in the Super Cup.
Man City might be tired from their midweek game and missing De Bruyne won't help them either. But even with some changes in their team, they still have more scoring power than Newcastle. Newcastle's defense isn't as strong as before, so Man City has a good chance.
