Manchester City face a critical Premier League match against Newcastle United on Saturday as they look to rebound from their Champions League setback against Real Madrid.
Despite a positive FA Cup victory over Leyton Orient, City suffered a concerning 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League playoff. The loss revealed defensive vulnerabilities, as City relinquished their lead multiple times and conceded two late goals to Los Blancos.
Manager Pep Guardiola must now prepare his squad for an immediate challenge against an in-form Newcastle United side. The Magpies have demonstrated impressive form across multiple competitions, notably securing their place in the EFL Cup final against Liverpool with a comprehensive victory over Arsenal. They followed this success with an assured win against Birmingham City in the FA Cup fourth round.
However, Newcastle’s recent Premier League performances present a different picture. Despite their overall strong season, they have recorded two losses in their previous three league matches, suggesting potential vulnerability in their domestic campaign.
Manchester City vs Newcastle United – Team News
Like rubbing salt into the wound, Manchester City were handed a couple of injury concerns during the defeat against Real Madrid. Jack Grealish and Manuel Akanji have sustained injuries, making their availability uncertain for the Newcastle fixture.
A five-star performance against Newcastle back in 2022! 🤩
🤝 @midea pic.twitter.com/0lUO62NLAc
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 14, 2025
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe capitalised on the FA Cup match against Birmingham to rotate his squad, ensuring his key players remain fresh for the Manchester City encounter. However, the team continues to monitor injuries to Sven Botman and Anthony Gordon, whose participation remains uncertain.
Manchester City vs Newcastle United – Predicted Line-ups
Predicted Manchester City XI: Ederson, Rico Lewis, Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, John Stones, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Savinho, Erling Haaland
Predicted Newcastle United XI: Martin Dubravka, Lewis Hall, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley, Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock, Alexander Isak
Manchester City vs Newcastle United – Key Battles
Ruben Dias vs Alexander Isak
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola must devise a strategy to contain Alexander Isak, who has emerged as one of Europe’s most effective strikers this season. Ruben Dias presents a formidable defensive option, though Isak’s recent performances against elite defenders suggest a compelling matchup. The Portuguese centre-back’s physicality and tactical awareness will be tested against Isak’s combination of speed and finishing ability.
Erling Haaland vs Fabian Schar
Erling Haaland’s return to scoring form against Real Madrid provides Manchester City with renewed attacking impetus, despite the overall disappointing result. The Norwegian striker enters this fixture with restored confidence, presenting a significant challenge for Newcastle’s defence. Fabian Schar, who has demonstrated exceptional defensive qualities throughout the season, faces the considerable task of maintaining his high performance level against one of the Premier League’s most prolific scorers.
Manchester City vs Newcastle United – Where to Watch
United Kingdom
The match will not be televised live in the UK. Supporters can follow match developments through Manchester City’s official mobile application or on BBC Radio Newcastle.
United States
Peacock will provide live coverage of the match for U.S. viewers.
Radio Coverage
Audio commentary is available via SiriusXM FC.
Eddie Howe on Man City:
“We know it will be a very difficult game. They are still a very good team, for me they are still the benchmark, we will have to try and deliver our best performance to get the result we want from this match. They have a very good squad, have made some… pic.twitter.com/BZDnU1qyov
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) February 14, 2025
Prediction: Manchester City 3- 2 Newcastle United