Newcastle vs Man City: Preview, Team News, Odds, Lineups, and Predictions as Magpies Face the Ultimate Test

Manchester City are strong favourites to win at Newcastle despite the home side's fighting spirit.

The Premier League bursts back into life after the international break, delivering a colossal fixture at St. James’ Park as Newcastle United welcome the three-time champions, Manchester City, on Saturday, November 22.

For the Magpies, this contest is far more than just three points, as it comes along as the ultimate stress test for a squad that has struggled to maintain its domestic consistency this season.

Eddie Howe's side is desperate to arrest a worrying slump in form and find the necessary resilience to navigate a punishing schedule in the run-up to Christmas.

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Newcastle United vs Man City: Preview

The contrasting fortunes of the two clubs could hardly be starker heading into this match. Newcastle United currently find themselves in 14th place, a concerning position given their lofty ambitions, having managed to secure just 12 points from their opening 11 league matches.

The team's inability to consistently deliver results has been compounded by recent form, which has seen them lose four of their last six domestic outings, including back-to-back 3-1 defeats away to West Ham and Brentford.

Despite this slide, there is a silver lining as all three of Newcastle’s Premier League wins this campaign have come in front of their raucous home support.

The atmosphere at St. James' Park remains a formidable advantage, a fortress only breached in the league this season by Arsenal and Liverpool, both of whom needed dramatic late efforts to snatch victory. Howe will be banking on that unique Tyneside atmosphere to inspire a much-needed response.

In contrast, Manchester City are once again demonstrating the relentless consistency of champions. Pep Guardiola’s side sits in second place, four points shy of the top spot, and arrives in excellent rhythm.

Manchester City have won four of their last five league matches, with their most recent outing being a hugely impressive 3-0 victory over rivals Liverpool, a performance that served as a powerful reminder of their title credentials.

They boast the league's most potent attack, having scored 23 goals so far, with their talisman spearheading the charge. Pep Guardiola's men look ready to kick on and maintain pressure at the top of the table, making their trip to Newcastle a crucial part of their resurgence.

Newcastle United vs Man City: Team News

The narrative of this match is heavily influenced by team selection, particularly the significant injury and suspension crisis engulfing the Magpies.

Newcastle will be without a key figure in their defence, with Dan Burn serving a one-match suspension after his sending-off in the loss to Brentford.

This loss is compounded by doubts over crucial personnel who pulled out of international duty. Goalkeeper Nick Pope is a major concern with a concussion, while dynamic forward Anthony Gordon is nursing a hip injury.

Additionally, forward Will Osula is ruled out with an ankle problem. Eddie Howe will be relieved, however, that key midfielders Sandro Tonali and Joelinton are expected to be fit enough to play, despite having minor injury scares over the break.

The absence of Burn means Lewis Hall is the likely candidate to step into the starting lineup at left-back, facing the daunting task of containing City's wide threats.

Manchester City, while possessing greater squad depth, are not without their headaches, all of which centre on the crucial midfield pivot.

Mateo Kovacic is a confirmed absentee until the new year following ankle/heel surgery. More significantly, the influential Rodri is still managing a persistent hamstring issue and remains sidelined, with Pep Guardiola urging patience for his full recovery.

Given his importance to Manchester City’s structure and ball retention, his continued absence is a considerable blow, though the recent form of replacements suggests City can still cope.

The rest of the Champions’ squad is close to full strength, allowing Pep Guardiola plenty of options, particularly in the attacking third.

Newcastle United vs Man City: Predicted Lineups

Eddie Howe is expected to stick to his preferred 4-3-3 formation, lining up with Pope in goal, protected by a back four of Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, and the returning Lewis Hall.

The midfield engine room will feature the trio of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Joelinton, providing both steel and creativity. The attack is likely to be spearheaded by Nick Woltemade, flanked by Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes.

Pep Guardiola will also deploy a 4-3-3. The Man City starting XI could feature Donnarumma, with a back line of Matheus Nunes, Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol, and Nico O'Reilly.

In midfield, the absence of Rodri makes way for a combination of Nico González, Tijjani Reijnders, and Phil Foden, with Foden possibly operating in a more central, advanced role.

The world-class forward line will feature the pace of Jérémy Doku and the craft of Bernardo Silva supporting the unparalleled focal point, Erling Haaland.

The most compelling tactical battle will undoubtedly be the clash between centre-back Sven Botman and striker Erling Haaland.

The Norwegian boasts 14 league goals already, yet he has historically struggled to find the net against Newcastle, scoring only once in his career against them.

Botman’s ability to marshal a shaky defence and keep the Champions’ star man quiet will be crucial to Newcastle's hopes of getting a result.

Similarly, the wide battle between the jet-heeled Jérémy Doku and the experienced Kieran Trippier promises fireworks on the flank.

Newcastle United vs Man City: Odds

The betting markets clearly reflect the gulf in form and historical head-to-head records. Manchester City are the overwhelming favourites, despite being away from home, with odds for a City victory sitting around 5/4.

A draw is priced at roughly 57/20, while a victory for the home side is considered the least likely outcome, available at odds of approximately 13/5.

Given these metrics and the defensive injuries for the hosts, the best value prediction remains a City win, with Erling Haaland to score at any time being an equally strong projection.

Ultimately, while the atmosphere at St. James' Park will be electric and Newcastle are desperate for a statement result, the circumstances weigh too heavily in the visitors’ favour.

The combined impact of Dan Burn's suspension, the doubts over Pope and Gordon, and the established firepower of the Champions is likely to prove insurmountable.

Newcastle will fight hard, and their home form suggests they will find the net, but Manchester City’s control in possession and clinical attacking quality should see them through this tough test.

Newcastle vs Man City: Prediction

Newcastle United 1-2 Manchester City.