Manchester City look to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table when the champions take on Newcastle United in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.
Pep Guardiola’s side are unbeaten after five games, with four wins and a draw to open the season.
City dropped points for the first time last weekend after a 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Etihad, where a 98th-minute equaliser from John Stones preserved the Blues’ unbeaten record.
The Citizens appear in ominous mood once again this season, with the record-breaking Erling Haaland propelling their charge. Haaland reached a century of goals for the club during the draw with Arsenal and has now scored 10 goals in five league games this season. Unsurprisingly, no player has ever managed more at this stage of a Premier League season.
City enter the game after progressing to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup in midweek. Goals from Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes earned the Blues a 2-1 win over Watford and a tie at Tottenham in the next round.
Their opponents, Newcastle, are aiming to bounce back from the setback of a first defeat of the season at Fulham last weekend.
Manchester City XI vs Newcastle United – Predicted lineup and team news
Manchester City team news
Manchester City will be without two of their most influential names with Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri sidelined for the trip to St James’ Park.
The latter sustained an ACL injury against Arsenal last weekend and Pep Guardiola has confirmed the Spaniard will not feature again this season. Rodri underwent surgery on his knee on Friday morning.
“”He had surgery this morning, ACL and some meniscus,” Guardiola said at a press conference on Friday ahead of City’s trip to Newcastle.
“Next season he will be here. This season is over [for him]. It is what it is. Unfortunately, we got the worst [news] but it is what it is at this level. Sometimes, unfortunately, it happens. We are just there to support him and [help him make a] good recovery, step by step, and move forward.”
De Bruyne is also out and the Belgian may not return until after October’s international break. Oscar Bobb (fractured leg) and Nathan Ake (muscle) are also sidelined.
Manchester City predicted line up
Manchester City predicted lineup: Ederson; Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Lewis, Kovacic; Foden, Bernardo, Gundogan, Doku; Haaland.
When is Newcastle vs Manchester City?
Newcastle host Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday 28th September 2024. Kick-off at St James’ Park is 12:30 BST.
What TV channel is Newcastle vs Manchester City on?
The game will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 from 11am.
