The State of Play
After 2023 ended with three successive defeats in all competitions, followed by a 4-2 loss in their first match of the New Year against Liverpool, Newcastle bounced back to winning ways in the FA Cup, securing their first Tyne-Wear derby victory since 2011.
Manager Eddie Howe’s decision to field a strong starting line-up in that contest paid off, with Alexander Isak’s brace and a first-half own goal from Dan Ballard propelling the Magpies to the fourth round.
A defeat this Saturday would signify Newcastle’s 10th loss in the current top-flight campaign, doubling the number they experienced throughout the entirety of the previous season.
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Reigning FA Cup champions Man City effortlessly advanced to the fourth round by convincingly defeating Championship side Huddersfield Town 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium last weekend, extending their unbeaten streak to eight matches across all competitions.
Despite a challenging period towards the end of 2023, the reigning world champions have experienced a remarkable turnaround in recent weeks, securing victories in each of their last five matches across all competitions, with an aggregate score of 17-1.
Currently trailing by five points in the Premier League standings, Manchester City are poised to narrow the gap that separates them from leaders Liverpool.
Team News
In his pre-match press conference, Eddie Howe confirmed another major injury concern for Newcastle, with Brazilian midfielder Joelinton set to miss ‘a minimum of six weeks’ due to a thigh injury. Alongside Joelinton, players like Nick Pope, Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes and Matt Targett remain unavailable due to injury, while Sandro Tonali is suspended.
Pep Guardiola confirmed that key players John Stones and Erling Haaland will remain unavailable for this weekend, despite suggestions that the latter would be returning to the squad. He also mentioned that Jack Grealish has been suffering from illness but may be available to train on Friday. Manuel Akanji remains a doubt with a knock, but Bernardo Silva, Kalvin Phillips and Scott Carson should all be available after recovering from a virus.
Expected Line-ups
Newcastle United: Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Miley, Guimaraes, Longstaff; Almiron, Isak, Gordon
Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Rodri; Bernardo, Foden, Doku; Alvarez
What they Said
Pep Guardiola on Kevin De Bruyne’s current condition:
“He’s getting better, we have a game and then a few days off, he will train a little bit. After, we will go altogether for four or five training sessions in Abu Dhabi and that will help him to be better for the next games.”
When and How to Watch
This match will be televised live on TNT Sports, and can be streamed on discovery+.
Prediction
While Newcastle have faced recent challenges, their earlier 1-0 victory at the Etihad this season highlights their potential. Nevertheless, the return of key players such as Kevin De Bruyne have rejuvenated City. This raises the likelihood that the reigning champions could exhibit overwhelming offensive prowess, resulting in a victory for the visitors.
