Defending Premier League champions Manchester City face Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Saturday, in what will be a tricky fixture for Pep Guardiola’s men. City, who secured a good win against Chelsea last weekend, are 9 points behind league leaders Liverpool.
The last time City travelled to St. James’ Park, they lost 2-1 to the Magpies and will be wary of any further slip-ups in the league.
Let’s take a look at the possible Manchester City team for the game against Newcastle United.
Team News
Sergio Aguero is the latest player to join the treatment table and the City legend will be out for a few weeks.
Leroy Sane, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Aymeric Laporte will also not feature in the game.
But, Guardiola will have Bernardo Silva back for selection after serving a one-match ban.
PREDICTED MANCHESTER CITY TEAM VS NEWCASTLE UNITED (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Ederson should start in goal for Manchester City in Saturday’s game.
Defence
Nicolás Otamendi and Fernandinho played in defence against Shakhtar in the Champions League, while John Stones and Fernandinho played in the league game against Chelsea last weekend.
We could possibly see Stones and Fernandinho play at the back in the Manchester City team.
João Cancelo should retain his place at right-back for the game against the Magpies, while Benjamin Mendy could return to the left-back spot, having been an unused substitute in midweek.
Midfield
Rodri has played the last three games for City in all competitions after returning from injury and he should start in the defensive midfield role after putting in a good performance against Shakhtar. He could play alongside Ilkay Gündogan and Kevin De Bruyne, both of whom played in the Champions League tie.
David Silva is another option in midfield and he could be an option instead of Gündogan or indeed Rodri if Pep opts for the German in the no.6 role.
Attack
Riyad Mahrez was an unused substitute mid-week, but he will most likely return to the Manchester City team having scored against Chelsea. He could replace Bernardo Silva on the right, while Raheem Sterling will start on the left for Manchester City.
With Aguero injured, Gabriel Jesus will most likely start as the main striker.
