Man City vs Newcastle Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Manchester City have endured a bizarrely mediocre season so far and suffered another defeat in midweek as they take on Newcastle United, who are enjoying a good couple of months.
Kick-off date/time: Saturday 15th February, 2025: UK – 3:00pm / US ET – 10:00am / US PT – 7:00am
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – Cannot be streamed / US – Peacock
Man City Preview: Rebuild required
Manchester City come into this one on the back of yet another late collapse as they suffered a 3-2 defeat at home to Real Madrid in the first-leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout playoff round tie in a game in which they were 2-1 up with about ten minutes of the game to go.
After spending over £200 million during the winter transfer window, the Cityzens have recognised their need for a rebuild and yet another collapse in midweek is a further sign that this may well be the end of an era in terms of general dominance at the Etihad Stadium.
Newcastle Preview: Flying Magpies
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United have already booked their spot in the EFL Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley Stadium next month after hammering Arsenal by four goals to nil on aggregate in the semi-finals with a 2-0 win at St James’ Park earlier this month.
That impressive victory against the Gunners was followed up by an entertaining come from behind 3-2 defeat of League One leaders Birmingham City at St Andrews last weekend in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Man City Team News: Akanji out for a while
After being forced off against Real Madrid in midweek, Manuel Akanji has now been ruled out for a couple of months due to an adductor issue. Pep Guardiola has also said that Nico Gonzalez is not 'fully, fully fit' after his injury against Leyton Orient last week, whilst he also does not expect Jack Grealish to be ready for this one either.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Lewis, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Gundogan; Foden, Marmoush, Savio; Haaland
Unavailable: Akanji (Injured), Rodri (Injured)
Questionable: Nico (Injured), Grealish (Injured), Bobb (Fitness)
Newcastle Team News: Gordon 'should be fine'
Eddie Howe has said that Anthony Gordon 'should be fine' to face Manchester City this weekend after dealing with a slight issue. They are expected to be without defender Sven Botman, though, albeit it is not expected to be a long-term absence. Dan Burn and Harvey Barnes also remain doubts with the former more likely to return.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Gordon
Unavailable: Lascelles (Injured), Joelinton (Injured)
Questionable: Botman (Injured), Burn (Fitness), Barnes (Fitness), Gordon (Fitness)
Man City vs Newcastle Prediction
Manchester City will likely, as is always the way of Pep Guardiola, rotate a fair bit for this one ahead of a potentially season-defining clash at the Bernabeu in their second-leg against Real Madrid on Wednesday. Newcastle United are playing with an energy and a confidence whereby they will believe they can go to Manchester and get at their fragile opponents. This one should end up being quite an entertaining watch for the neutral in which both teams scoring looks a good bet.
Man City vs Newcastle Tip: Both teams to score
