Manchester City vs Newcastle United - Preview, Team news and Probable Lineups
Manchester City host Newcastle United on Saturday and the Blues will be looking to return to winning ways after the defeat against Liverpool in their previous game.
Late goals from Bernardo Silva and Gundogan set up a tense finale, but Jurgen Klopp's side held on to avenge September's 5-0 thrashing in the reverse fixture.
On the other hand, the Magpies remain unbeaten in 2018 but the mood of the fans has been dampened significantly by the news that Mike Ashley pulled out of takeover talks with Amanda Staveley.
Manchester City vs Newcastle United: Kickoff information
Date: 20th January 2018, Saturday
Kickoff: 17:30 GMT (local time), 11:00 PM (IST)
Venue: Etihad Stadium.
Team News
Manchester City
Manchester City will be without makeshift left-back Fabian Delph after he limped out of Sunday's defeat to Liverpool. Brazilian full-back Danilo is likely to replace him in defence. Benjamin Mendy is still absent with a long-term knee injury.
Gabriel Jesus is also unavailable after suffering knee ligament damage against Crystal Palace on New Year's Eve.
David Silva could replace Ilkay Gundogan in midfield after the Spaniard missed the Anfield defeat with a stomach issue.
Manchester City's form guide (in all competitions): L-W-W-W-D
Formation: 4-4-2
Manchester United's probable playing XI
Ederson(GK); Kyle Walker, John Stones, Nicolas Otamendi, Danilo||Kevin De Bruyne, Fernandinho, Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling|| Sergio Aguero, Leroy Sane
Newcastle United
The Magpies' previous game against Swansea came too early for Aleksandar Mitrovic, but the striker is back in light training and Rafa Benitez has said he is not too far away from a return.
Benitez is hoping that Florian Lejeune could return, while Jesus Gamez, Chancel Mbemba and Dwight Gayle are all doubtful to travel. Aleksandar Mitrovic is a candidate for selection after a long recovery period and could be deployed as the lone striker at the Etihad.
Striker Dwight Gayle is expected to feature despite being taken off in Newcastle's draw against Swansea.
Newcastle United's form guide (in all competitions): L-D-W-W-D
Formation: 5-3-2
Newcastle United's probable playing XI
Karl Darlow(GK)|| Deandre Yedlin, Ciaran Clarke, Jamal Lascelles, Paul Dummett, Javier Manquillo|| Matt Ritchie, Mohamed Diame, Jonjo Shelvey|| Jacob Murphy, Joselu Mato
Prediction:
The Magpies, who frustrated City in their game at St James' Park last month, will look to do the same. But Manchester City are expected to win the margin of 3-0.