Haaland's Fate Sealed: Man City Reveal Star Striker's Status as Newcastle Clash Looms
Manchester City persist in their quest to dethrone Arsenal from the Premier League's pinnacle but face the challenge of defeating a resurgent Newcastle United to narrow the points difference.
Pep Guardiola and his squad watched with satisfaction as the league leaders faltered against bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday, presenting them with an opportunity to reduce the deficit to just two points with a win over the Magpies on Saturday evening.
Since Arsenal won't play until Sunday's north London derby, City have the opportunity to apply pressure on the frontrunners—though they'll be missing several important players for this crucial encounter with the Magpies.
Match Snapshot
Match Snapshot
Team News
Team News
Focus will center on Erling Haaland this weekend. The league's leading goalscorer is dealing with a minor muscle problem and was absent from the FA Cup fourth round match. Haaland's availability for Newcastle's visit remains uncertain despite Guardiola's assurance that the injury isn't severe.
Max Alleyne has entered a busy medical facility after his early substitution last weekend and now joins Croatian pair Joško Gvardiol and Mateo Kovačić in recovery.
On the flanks, City remain without Jérémy Doku and Savinho.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Newcastle (4-3-3)
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Newcastle (4-3-3)
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma—The imposing Italian goalkeeper has enjoyed nearly two weeks of rest after being benched for last weekend's FA Cup triumph over Salford City, leaving him refreshed for Newcastle's attacking threat.
RB: Matheus Nunes—Facing either Harvey Barnes or Anthony Gordon charging down Newcastle's left flank, Nunes must stay alert against these rapid wide players.
CB: Rúben Dias—Gordon operated centrally in midweek and netted four times in Newcastle's 6–1 thrashing of Qarabağ. Dias might welcome facing the less mobile Nick Woltemade on Saturday evening.
CB: Marc Guéhi—Scoring his first City goal in last weekend's FA Cup match, Guéhi has quickly made his mark in solidifying Guardiola's backline.
LB: Rayan Aït-Nouri—An inconsistent inaugural campaign has been revitalized through regular starting appearances since the Africa Cup of Nations. The Algerian has featured in City's previous six matches across all competitions.
CM: Bernardo Silva—City continue to depend on the wisdom and technical brilliance of their compact Portuguese virtuoso, with Silva expected to play a crucial role in dictating rhythm against Newcastle's physical midfield.
CM: Rodri—Rodri hasn't reached his commanding heights this season but should control the central battle on Saturday with Newcastle's key player Bruno Guimarães unavailable for the visitors.
CM: Nico O'Reilly—The academy graduate has returned to his midfield duties recently to strengthen the center and accommodate Aït-Nouri. He found the net in the recent 3–0 Premier League victory over Fulham while flourishing in his natural role.
RW: Rayan Cherki—City have leaned heavily on Cherki's ingenuity and flair this campaign and with wing injuries mounting, the adaptable Frenchman might feature on the right flank against Newcastle.
ST: Erling Haaland—Given Haaland's injury isn't deemed serious, there's a good possibility he'll return against Newcastle. Omar Marmoush, who netted twice against Saturday's visitors in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg, remains ready as backup.
LW: Antoine Semenyo—Semenyo has contributed goals or assists in four of his past six encounters with Newcastle and his excellent run suggests he might extend that record on Saturday,