Pep Guardiola is expected to rotate his Manchester City squad for Saturday’s Premier League game against Newcastle United.
The champions head into the game on the back of a 3-0 FA Cup win over Bristol City, which will set up a clash with Burnley and ex-captain Vincent Kompany in the quarter-finals. City have also impressed of late in the league and have won three of the last four, although they lost further ground on leaders Arsenal on Wednesday as the Gunners beat Everton to move five points clear of City.
That gap could, at least temporarily, be reduced to two points on Saturday when Newcastle come to the Etihad. City should also be a little fresher than usual given Guardiola managed to rest several players in midweek.
Kyle Walker, Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan and Erling Haaland were allowed a night off at Ashton Gate, while Jack Grealish only played the final 20 minutes. All five are expected to return to the team on Saturday, as is Ederson, who came on for the second half in Tuesday’s FA Cup tie.
In defence, if Walker plays at right-back, that leaves Guardiola with three choices in the middle: Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake. The latter could also play at left-back, with Bernardo Silva another option.
The Portugal international is more likely to play in midfield, however, with Rodri, Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne also in contention. Kalvin Phillips played 90 minutes against Bristol City but hasn’t yet started a Premier League game for the Blues and is not expected to break that habit on Saturday.
In the attacking areas, Haaland and Grealish should start, with one of Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden or Julian Alvarez expected to join them in the starting XI. Here’s how we think City will line up against Newcastle…
That gap could, at least temporarily, be reduced to two points on Saturday when Newcastle come to the Etihad. City should also be a little fresher than usual given Guardiola managed to rest several players in midweek.
5. LB: Nathan Ake
Has become arguably Guardiola’s most reliable defender.
6. DM: Rodri
Rarely misses out and should feel fresher after having a night off on Tuesday.
7. CM: Ilkay Gundogan
A toss up between Gundogan and Silva, but given the latter played in midweek we’ll back City’s captain to start.
8. CM: Kevin De Bruyne
Was excellent in midweek and scored a brilliant goal in the latter stages of the 3-0 win.