Newcastle vs Man City

Manchester City Travel to Newcastle Aiming to Extend Unbeaten Streak

Manchester City will look to strengthen their lead at the top of the Premier League table when they visit St James' Park to face Newcastle United on Saturday lunchtime. This will be the first meeting between the two teams since City's 2-0 FA Cup win in March, where goals from Bernardo Silva secured their place in the semifinals.

Match Preview
Newcastle United started their Premier League campaign well, picking up 10 points from their first four matches. However, they suffered their first loss of the season last weekend in a 3-1 defeat to Fulham. Despite Harvey Barnes scoring his third goal in as many games, defensive errors cost them the match, with Fulham’s Raul Jimenez and Emile Smith Rowe getting on the scoresheet before a late strike from Reiss Nelson sealed Newcastle's fate.

Newcastle’s manager Eddie Howe described the Fulham game as their "worst performance" of the season, and although the Magpies sit in sixth place, three points off the top, their fans are aware that improvements are needed to sustain their position.

Newcastle’s midweek EFL Cup clash against AFC Wimbledon was postponed due to flooding, giving them extra time to prepare for the challenging visit of Manchester City. However, Newcastle have struggled against City historically, winning just once in their last 33 Premier League meetings – a 2-1 victory in January 2019.

Meanwhile, Manchester City are coming off a hectic week. Following a thrilling 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, they made nine changes to their squad for the EFL Cup third-round victory over Watford on Tuesday, winning 2-1 thanks to goals from Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes.

The Premier League leaders are currently unbeaten in 24 top-flight matches in 2024, closing in on Chelsea’s 26-game record set in 2008. City have a strong record against Newcastle, having won more Premier League games (31) and scored more goals (101) against them than any other opponent. In fact, City have found the net in each of their last 31 league meetings, the longest such streak in Premier League history.

While Newcastle boast a 10-match unbeaten run at St James' Park, City were the last team to beat them at home with a dramatic 3-2 win in January.

Team News
Newcastle will be without Callum Wilson (back), Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles (both knee), and Lewis Miley (ankle). Howe could rotate his defense, with Valentino Livramento and Lewis Hall pushing for starts. Harvey Barnes is expected to retain his place in attack, alongside Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak.

For Manchester City, star midfielder Rodri is set to miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury. Oscar Bobb and Nathan Ake are also sidelined, while Kevin De Bruyne remains doubtful with a groin issue. Guardiola will likely recall key players including Ederson, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, and top scorer Erling Haaland, who has already scored 10 goals in five Premier League matches this season.

Possible Lineups
Newcastle United: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Gordon, Isak, Barnes
Manchester City: Ederson; Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Lewis, Kovacic; Savinho, Bernardo, Gundogan, Doku; Haaland