Newcastle United host Manchester City in a huge Premier League clash this evening.
The Magpies are aiming to turn around an inconsistent start to the campaign, as Eddie Howe’s side bid for Champions League qualification again. Manchester City, meanwhile, are out to underline their title credentials.
Ahead of the clash, we’ve picked our Newcastle and Manchester City Combined XI, based on players available for this evening’s game.
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma – Manchester City
It was an evolution in goal this summer as Manchester City replaced the long-serving Ederson with Gianluigi Donnarumma.
While the former altered perceptions around modern goalkeepers, the latter is a throwback to goalkeepers of yesteryear. A giant presence, few are better than the Italian when it comes to shot-stopping.
Right-back: Tino Livramento – Newcastle
Manchester City are understood to have Tino Livramento on their transfer wish-list. The full-back has excelled since joining Newcastle, bringing tireless energy, tenacity and attacking threat. After nine games out, his recent return to training is a major boost for the Magpies.
Centre-back: Ruben Dias – Manchester City
Manchester City look like a more solid side when Ruben Dias is at the heart of it. The Portugal international has been a commanding presence for the Citizens since arriving from Benfica in 2020. Last season was the first campaign that Dias failed to win the Premier League at the Etihad. He’ll be desperate to atone for that this season.
Centre-back: Malick Thiaw – Newcastle
Having prised Sandro Tonali from AC Milan, Newcastle look to have captured another gem from the Rossoneri in Malick Thiaw. The German has made a superb start at St James. emerging as one of the signings of the season. His recent performances earned Thiaw a recall to the Germany squad in November.
Only three players have contested 40+ duels in the Premier League this season and won 70% or more of them:
◉ 77.22% – Virgil van Dijk (61/79)
◉ 73.91% – Malick Thiaw (34/46)
◉ 71.83% – Nordi Mukiele (51/71)The duel masters. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/cFFX0Rhj6B
— Squawka (@Squawka) November 3, 2025
Left-back: Josko Gvardiol – Manchester City
Nico O’Reilly and Lewis Hall could end up competing for the England left-back role, though we’ve opted for Josko Gvardiol here.
The Croatian may spend much of his time centrally these days, but he’s arguably the best left-back in either squad. A bullish defender who will be the foundation of the Manchester City side for the long term.
Midfield: Sandro Tonali – Newcastle
Has evolved into one of the Premier League’s most complete midfielders. Eddie Howe’s decision to switch Tonali to the number six role has paid dividends, with few in the division matching his engine and technical ability. He’s helped Newcastle’s midfield become one of the Premier League’s most feared.
Midfield: Bruno Guimaraes – Newcastle
Bruno Guimaraes completes an all-Magpies midfield. The Brazilian is the driving force of the Newcastle side and ranks among the Premier League’s top performers for fouls won (2nd), through balls (3rd), progressive passes (7th) and shot-creating actions (8th).
Right-wing: Phil Foden – Manchester City
Phil Foden has shown signs he’s getting back to his best this season in welcome news for Manchester City. The midfielder has four goals and three assists in all competitions, while just three players in the Premier League have created more chances.
Phil Foden smiling again, something we love to see 🫶🥹 pic.twitter.com/kM69E7FP5l
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) September 27, 2025
Left-wing: Jeremy Doku – Manchester City
At his best, Jeremy Doku can be unstoppable. Liverpool were on the wrong end of a Doku masterclass before the international break, as the Belgian switched on turbo-mode to torment the champions. He’s third in the Premier League for chances created this season, indicating he’s beginning to find the consistent end product to match his x-factor.
Forward: Nick Woltemade – Newcastle
Newcastle needed to get their Alexander Isak replacement right in the summer and the early signs are the Magpies have succeeded.
Nick Woltemade has made a fine start on Tyneside, scoring six times already this season and showing far more than just penalty-box presence. He’s also cemented his place as Germany’s number nine heading into the World Cup, scoring four times in his first eight caps.
Nick Woltemade has four goals in his last three games for Germany.
Cookin’ ♨️ pic.twitter.com/dbRYP2TLGz
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 17, 2025
Forward: Erling Haaland – Manchester City
The best out-and-out goalscorer in the game. Need we say more? Haaland already sits six goals clear of his nearest challenger in the Premier League Golden Boot race, having hit 14 in just 11 games. For Norway, he’s fired his country to a first World Cup since 1998, with a run of 21 goals in his last 11 caps.
How Erling Haaland’s goalscoring rate at international level compares to Mbappe, Ronaldo and Messi 👀 pic.twitter.com/zk2QqKrd7U
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 19, 2025
No, that isn’t a typo.
Read – Premier League talking points ahead of the weekend
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