Manchester City battle it out with Newcastle United this afternoon with the result potentially of great significance.
The two sides are level in the table with 41 points apiece and the winner of the contest would be in an advantageous position to secure Champions League qualification.
City swallowed a bitter pill in midweek as a late collapse saw them lose 3-2 at home to Real Madrid in the first leg of their playoff match. Whichever team prevails will advance into the last 16, with the loser being eliminated.
Tuesday night’s misery was compiled by the fact Manuel Akanji suffered a serious abductor injury. The 29-year-old is projected to miss the next 8-10 weeks of action as the issue requires surgery.
Jack Grealish was also an enforced substitution due to injury but his prognosis is much more optimistic. The Englishman will be assessed to determine his availability for today’s game.
Deadline day signing Nico Gonzalez is also in the conversation to start after being an unused substitute on Tuesday. The former Porto midfielder is still dealing with the pain of a robust challenge during the FA Cup tie against Leyton Orient.
Newcastle have had a full week to prepare after progressing into the fifth round of the FA Cup over Birmingham City.
Eddie Howe made wholesale changes against the League One leaders with the likes of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon rested.
There was slight concerns over the fitness of the latter as the winger was reportedly nursing a thigh issue. However, Howe confirmed Gordon has responded well to treatment and should be available.
Joelinton has been ruled out while Dan Burn and Sven Botman’s slight injuries are being monitored ahead of the trip to Manchester.
Manchester City vs Newcastle – Match Preview and team news
Form
Manchester City: WWLWL
City’s game against Newcastle United may not be at the forefront of their minds.
Understandably, their main priority will likely be the second part of the Champions League playoff against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu next Wednesday.
Pep Guardiola’s side trail 3-2 heading into the second leg after a thrilling encounter in Manchester.
The blue half of Manchester were leading 2-1 with 10 minutes to play courtesy of an Erling Haaland brace either side of a volley from Kylian Mbappe.
But the closing stages were filled with mistakes and the reigning champions capitalised to overturn the deficit.
Despite spending more money than any other team in January, City are still not peforming to the standards they’ve come accustomed to.
Defeat today against the Magpies could see them drop as low as seventh in the Premier League.
Newcastle United: LWLWW
Newcastle booked a FA Cup fifth round tie with Brighton after a chaotic triumph over Birmingham City.
Joe Willock was the hero for the Magpies as he netted a brace to overcome the diligent opposition.
Eddie Howe’s side are on course to have their best campaign since the turn of the millennia. Three points this afternoon would see them climb into fourth position over the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City.
Furthermore, they have a Carabao Cup final to look forward to in March against Liverpool at Wembley Stadium.
Newcastle have only lost three times on their travels in the Premier League this season with only Arsenal and Liverpool losing fewer games.
Last Meeting: Newcastle 1-1 Manchester City, Premier League, 28th September 2024
Nothing could separate the two sides at St. James’ Park back in September.
The visitors struck first through Josko Gvardiol with the invention and guile of Jack Grealish manufacturing the chance.
City’s number 10 skipped past Kieran Tripper before feeding the advanced Gvardiol in the box.
The Croatian defender checked inside and coolly found the corner with a nonchalant finish.
The opening goal brought the game to life and forced the hosts into action.
Joelinton saw a rasping drive parried by fellow countryman Ederson moments before the interval.
Eddie Howe’s side were a awarded a direct chance to level matters just shy of the hour mark. Anthony Gordon evaded the offside trap before racing clear and being impeded by Ederson. Referee Jarred Gillett didn’t hesitate and immediately pointed to the spot.
Gordon took the responsibility of taking the spot-kick and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way which caused an eruption of noise St James’ Park.
Newcastle looked the most likely to find the winner and had another appeal for a penalty dismissed after Joelinton was barged by Kyle Walker.
Nick Pope denied Bernardo Silva’s stunning volley with a strong palm to ensure the spoils would be shared.
Confirmed Line-ups
Manchester City: Ederson, Lewis, Khusanov, Stones, Gvardiol; Gonzalez, Gundogan; Foden, Savinho, Marmoush, Haaland.
Newcastle United: Dubravka, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
Who is the referee?
Andy Madley will be the match official. Nick Hopton and Craig Taylor will assist him and Tim Robinson will be the fourth official. The VAR will be John Brooks and he will be assisted by Lee Betts.
What TV channel will Manchester City vs Newcastle be on?
Manchester City vs Newcastle will not be televised in the United Kingdom due to the 3pm blackout.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off at the Etihad Stadium will be at 15:00 GMT on Saturday 15th February 2025.
Manchester City vs Newcastle Match Odds
Manchester City: 10/11
Draw: 10/3
Newcastle United: 9/4
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