The second half of the Premier League season is set to resume with the unfolding of fixtures in Matchday 21. Newcastle United will welcome the reigning champions, Manchester City at St James’ Park, on Saturday.
The Magpies will be hosting the Citizens in their first home league fixture and the second of the new year 2024. The visitors will be playing their first match of the new year, with an 11-point difference between the two sides on the points table. The treble winners are currently in third place, while Newcastle sits in 9th in the standings.
In their previous two league outings, Eddie Howe’s men suffered three successive defeats against Luton, Forest, and Liverpool. They will be aiming to bounce back with some positivity on their side. Following a 3-0 triumph in the FA Cup at home, Newcastle would look to replicate it against the treble winners, Manchester City.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s side boasts an unbeaten record in the previous four league matches. They concluded the year with a 2-0 win over Sheffield United and dominated Huddersfield with a thumping 5-0 victory in the FA Cup fixture. The newly crowned Club WC champions are hoping to resume the league campaign with three points.
When and Where?
Where: St James Park.
When: Saturday, January 13, 2024.
Time: 5.30 pm BST
Match Officials
Referee: Chris Kavanagh.
Assistants: Simon Bennett & Neil Davies.
Fourth official: Tim Robinson.
VAR Official: Peter Bankes.
Assistant VAR: Simon Long.
Team news
Newcastle faces a series of injuries in their squad, with Joelinton the latest casualty, ruled out for at least six weeks. The growing list of absentees features Callum Wilson, Matt Targett, Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes, Elliot Anderson, Javi Manquillo, and another Nick Pope. All are set to remain sidelined for the upcoming fixture.
In the visitors’ camp, Erling Haaland and defender John Stones will miss the trip. Additionally, the chances of Jack Grealish and Manuel Akanji playing are doubtful. However, the club has confirmed the return of their ace captain Kevin De Bruyne, who has successfully recovered from his long-term injury and is set to take the pitch.
Match Analysis
The English gaffer, Eddie Howe is expected to maintain his usual 4-3-3 attacking formation with only a single change expected in the starting eleven from the FA Cup game against Sunderland.
Dubravka will continue in goal in the absence of Nick Pope, while the backline remains unchanged with Kieren Trippier, Schar, Botman, and Burn. In the midfield, Lewis Miley is expected to take on the role of Joelinton, teaming up with Bruno Guimaraes and Longstaff. In the final attacking third, the combination of Miguel Almiron and Anthony Gordon on the wings will support Alexander Isak as the marksman.
The Spanish tactician, Pep Guardiola, is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation with a few anticipated changes in the starting eleven from the recent FA Cup outing against Huddersfield Town.
First-choice keeper Ederson will return to the lineup, and in the back four, Kyle Walker will partner with the defensive pairing of Ruben Dias and Ake, and Gvardiol to position on the left side of defense as a makeshift left-back. In front of the defensive line, the double-pivot partnership of Kovacic and Rodri will be played, while in the attacking midfield trio, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish will be operating behind the lone striker, Julian Alvarez.
Key Players
Alexander Isak
The Swedish striker, Alexander Isak, is in top form and stands as the leading goal-scorer for the Magpies, having already surpassed his goal tally from last season. He has scored a total of 13 goals in 22 appearances across all competitions this season. Impressively, the 24-year-old forward has found the back of the net four times in the previous three matches for his side.
Julian Alvarez
The Argentine forward is a key factor in the Manchester City team, with his brilliant performance standing out throughout this campaign. The 23-year-old ranks only behind Haaland in terms of goal contributions, having scored 13 goals and provided 10 assists, showcasing all-round attacking prowess in 29 matches so far this season across all competitions.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle Predicted lineup vs Man City: Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Miley; Almiron, Isak, Gordon.
Man City Predicted lineup vs Newcastle: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Bernardo, Foden, Grealish; Alvarez.
