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Preview: Manchester City head to the Toon

Preview: Manchester City head to the Toon

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Manchester City could move to within one point of Arsenal with another statement result away to Newcastle United on Saturday.

By Graham Ruthven

City’s title statement

The November international break came at a bad time for Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s team pulled off a big win against Liverpool in their last outing, but that was two weeks ago. They were denied the chance to build further momentum.

Another result away to Newcastle United on Saturday, however, would move City to within one point of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League with the Gunners not playing until Sunday.

Conversely, the international break gave Newcastle an opportunity to reset after two defeats in their previous three league games. Eddie Howe will expect a much better showing than the one produced in the defeats to Brentford and West Ham.

Under Howe, Newcastle have made St James’ Park one of the Premier League’s toughest venues to visit. The home fans could play an important role in Saturday’s game.

Three points in the North East on Saturday evening would be a big moment in Manchester City’s season, potentially causing many to question whether they wrote off their title chances too early.

Key players

Newcastle’s midfield unit will physically test Manchester City with Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali capable of dominating any opponent on their day. Guimarães in particular will be valuable as the Magpies’ anchor.

Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw will have to be in top form to keep City’s forward line – and one forward in particular – at arm’s length. The pair will be Newcastle’s defensive basis.

If Newcastle are to inflict some damage of their own on the visitors, though, Nick Woltemade is likely to be key. The German has netted four goals in eight league games and will lead the line for the Magpies on Saturday.

Erling Haaland can’t stop scoring. This has been true for the majority of the Norwegian’s career to date, but he has reached new heights this season, netting 14 times in just 11 league games.

If anything, City have been too reliant on Haaland’s goals this season even if Jérémy Doku has made a step up. The Belgian was outstanding against Liverpool and will be a threat out wide at St James’ Park too.

Nico O’Reilly could also be key to preventing Newcastle from causing damage on the break. Manchester City suffered badly in defensive transition last season and O’Reilly has shown himself to be a solution.

Team news

Dan Burn will miss out for Newcastle through suspension after seeing red at Brentford with Tino Livramento also sidelined. Yoane Wissa is still awaiting his debut for the Magpies while Anthony Gordon and Nick Pope will face late fitness tests.

Rodri hasn’t started a league game for September and is expected to be unavailable for the trip to the North East this weekend. Mateo Kovačić is another midfield absentee for the away team. 

Otherwise, Manchester City have a clean bill of health for the away match against Newcastle.

Prediction

With the frontline strikers from both sides having an excellent international break, we’re expecting goals in this one, and perhaps an improved, albeit ultimately fruitless, performance from the Magpies: Newcastle United 1-2 Man City.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the 2025/26 Premier League season with FotMob – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Preview: Manchester City head to the Toon

Manchester City could move to within one point of Arsenal with another statement result away to Newcastle United on Saturday.

By Graham Ruthven

City’s title statement

The November international break came at a bad time for Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s team pulled off a big win against Liverpool in their last outing, but that was two weeks ago. They were denied the chance to build further momentum.

Another result away to Newcastle United on Saturday, however, would move City to within one point of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League with the Gunners not playing until Sunday.

Conversely, the international break gave Newcastle an opportunity to reset after two defeats in their previous three league games. Eddie Howe will expect a much better showing than the one produced in the defeats to Brentford and West Ham.

Under Howe, Newcastle have made St James’ Park one of the Premier League’s toughest venues to visit. The home fans could play an important role in Saturday’s game.

Three points in the North East on Saturday evening would be a big moment in Manchester City’s season, potentially causing many to question whether they wrote off their title chances too early.

Key players

Newcastle’s midfield unit will physically test Manchester City with Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali capable of dominating any opponent on their day. Guimarães in particular will be valuable as the Magpies’ anchor.

Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw will have to be in top form to keep City’s forward line – and one forward in particular – at arm’s length. The pair will be Newcastle’s defensive basis.

If Newcastle are to inflict some damage of their own on the visitors, though, Nick Woltemade is likely to be key. The German has netted four goals in eight league games and will lead the line for the Magpies on Saturday.

Erling Haaland can’t stop scoring. This has been true for the majority of the Norwegian’s career to date, but he has reached new heights this season, netting 14 times in just 11 league games.

If anything, City have been too reliant on Haaland’s goals this season even if Jérémy Doku has made a step up. The Belgian was outstanding against Liverpool and will be a threat out wide at St James’ Park too.

Nico O’Reilly could also be key to preventing Newcastle from causing damage on the break. Manchester City suffered badly in defensive transition last season and O’Reilly has shown himself to be a solution.

Team news

Dan Burn will miss out for Newcastle through suspension after seeing red at Brentford with Tino Livramento also sidelined. Yoane Wissa is still awaiting his debut for the Magpies while Anthony Gordon and Nick Pope will face late fitness tests.

Rodri hasn’t started a league game for September and is expected to be unavailable for the trip to the North East this weekend. Mateo Kovačić is another midfield absentee for the away team. 

Otherwise, Manchester City have a clean bill of health for the away match against Newcastle.

Prediction

With the frontline strikers from both sides having an excellent international break, we’re expecting goals in this one, and perhaps an improved, albeit ultimately fruitless, performance from the Magpies: Newcastle United 1-2 Man City.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the 2025/26 Premier League season with FotMob – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.