Manchester City will host Newcastle United on Saturday as they look to bounce back from a disappointing result against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.
The defending Premier League champions started the season on a promising note, beating against Arsenal and Huddersfield Town before their stalemate with Wolves.
Newcastle, on the other hand, have had a terrible start to the season. They are winless in the league and were dumped out of the league cup by Nottingham Forest.
Rafa’s resources are stretched at the moment but like we saw last weekend, his side can stifle teams. Here are three key battles that could decide the outcome of this important clash this weekend.
#3 Vincent Kompany vs Salomon Rondon
Newcastle pushed Chelsea last weekend with a rigid defence and we expect the same again this weekend. They’ll need their forward, Salomon Rondon to test the City backline on the counter.
Man City captain Vincent Kompany looked quite shaky against Wolves and will look to redeem himself against the Magpies.
Rondon arrived earlier this summer and replaced the departed Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Although he is yet to find the back of the net this new season, his incredible physical prowess coupled with his intelligence inside the box is sure to pose a strong challenge for the Belgian international.
#2 Ilkay Gundogan vs Ki Sung-Yueng
It will be a battle for midfield supremacy when Ilkay Gundogan faces off against Ki Sung-Yueng of Newcastle this weekend. The German international was arguably Manchester City’s best midfielder versus Wolves.
Aside from assisting Laporte’s equaliser in the second half, the former Dortmund superstar attained a pass accuracy of 96% – more than anyone else on the pitch whilst also making two key passes.
That being said, Ki’s ability to organise and orchestrate the midfield with his pin-point passing is already well-documented. And therefore, it will be interesting to see as to which one of these two highly talented technical midfielders come out on top this weekend.
#1 Sergio Aguero vs Jamaal Lascelles
It’s probably fair to point out the fact that Sergio Aguero has been one of the best strikers in the league this season, thanks to his incredible performances in the first three matches.
Even against Wolves, the Argentine international provided an all-round performance despite failing to find the back of the net (he hit the post twice). And coach Guardiola will hope he can maintain his fiery form against the Magpies this weekend.
On the flip side, Newcastle’s club captain Jamaal Lascelles will be tasked with the responsibility of stopping the talented Man City striker who is capable of wreaking havoc.
The English defender has already impressed a lot in the past 12 months or so but will be put to the ultimate test against Aguero on Saturday.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
