As the Premier League enters its crucial phase, Manchester City and Newcastle United are set to battle it out at the Etihad Stadium in a high-stakes clash, and City has confirmed the lineup.
With both teams eyeing a top-four finish, this match could shape the rest of their seasons.
Current Form and League Standings
Manchester City’s recent form has been a rollercoaster. Pep Guardiola’s men suffered a shocking 5-1 defeat to Arsenal, followed by a late collapse against Real Madrid in the Champions League. Sitting in fifth place, City must win to avoid slipping further behind.
Newcastle, on the other hand, have been dominant away from home, winning four consecutive league games on the road, including victories over Manchester United, Tottenham, and Arsenal. They are level on points with City and will be looking to break their 20-game winless streak at the Etihad.
Head-to-Head Record
City have historically dominated this fixture, winning 15 straight home games against Newcastle. The Magpies haven’t tasted victory in Manchester since 2000. However, their recent away form suggests they have a fighting chance.
Key Players to Watch
- Erling Haaland (Man City) – The Norwegian goal machine will look to make an impact after a quiet spell.
- Alexander Isak (Newcastle) – The Swedish striker has 10 away goals this season but is yet to score at the Etihad.
- Phil Foden (Man City) – With his ability to dictate play, Foden could be City’s key to unlocking Newcastle’s defense.
- Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle) – The midfield maestro will play a crucial role in keeping City’s attackers at bay.
Confirmed Lineups
City: Ederson, Lewis, Khusanov, Stones, Gvardiol, Nico, Gundogan, Foden, Marmoush, Savinho, Haaland (c)
Subs: Ortega Moreno, Kovacic, Doku, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Reis, Nunes, O’Reilly, McAtee
Newcastle United: Martin Dúbravka; Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall; Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock; Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon.
Substitutes: Nick Pope, Tino Livramento, Emil Krafth, Matt Targett, Sean Longstaff, Lewis Miley, Harvey Barnes, William Osula, Callum Wilson.
Match Prediction
Newcastle’s away form has been impressive, but City’s dominance at home makes them favorites. With both teams having vulnerabilities, a high-scoring draw seems likely.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-2 Newcastle United
Where to Watch
The match will be broadcast live on major sports networks and available for streaming.
This game could have massive implications on the Premier League table. Can City recover from their recent setbacks, or will Newcastle break their Etihad curse?
