Manchester City v Newcastle - Preview and possible lineups
We take a look ahead to Saturday's Premier League clash between Manchester City and Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium.
TEAM NEWS:
Manchester City: Kevin De Bruyne and Claudio Bravo are still facing a lengthy period out on the sidelines after their respective knee and achilles injuries, while Danilo will also miss out with a foot injury. The rest of the squad should be fully fit from Guardiola to choose from.
Newcastle: Jonjo Shelvey, Matt Ritchie and Javier Manquillo are unlikely to feature, while Jamaal Lascelles should return to the starting lineup. Florian Lejeune is the only long-term absentee due to an ACL injury.
Guardiola: "We are only in August. There are a lot of points to play for. After the international break the real season starts. Our job depends on results. When we win, we are good. When we don't win, we are not good. All the managers in the Premier League are top managers."
Benitez: "City are a great team with a great manager. Are they the best ever? We will see next year. Certainly this is the most expensive season ever in the PL. That’s why there are teams with such quality. It’s 11 vs 11 at City and you never know and that is football. We have to be sure we do the best for the club.”
FORM:
DID YOU KNOW?
Manchester City are unbeaten in their last 21 matches against Newcastle, which is both City's longest unbeaten run and Newcastle's longest run without winning.
Sergio Aguero has scored eight goals in his last two home games against the 'Magpies'.
Newcastle have only picked up six points from their past nine away fixtures.
SCORE PREDICTION: 2-1 City
POSSIBLE LINEUPS:
Manchester City: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Laporte, Mendy, Fernandinho, David Silva, Gündogan, Mahrez, Aguero, Sterling.
Newcastle: Dubravka, Yedlin, Lascelles, Fernandez, Schar, Dummett, Murphy, Diame, Ki, Kenedy, Rondon