Title race heating up with City in strong position
Manchester City host Newcastle United on Saturday evening at Etihad Stadium knowing a win would cut Arsenal’s Premier League lead to just two points. Pep Guardiola’s team sit five points behind the Gunners but hold a game in hand and face them directly in April.
City have regained momentum with recent victories over Liverpool and Fulham while Arsenal have faltered drawing against Brentford and Wolves to win only two of their last seven league matches. City remain unbeaten across seven games in all competitions and share the league’s best home record adding pressure on the north London side who last lifted silverware in the 2020 FA Cup.
Tijjani Reijnders highlighted City’s determination saying the mood remains positive despite dropped points and the team stays on the hunt. He suggested consistent performances could keep City firmly in the title conversation.
Newcastle seek revival against formidable opponents
Newcastle arrive in 10th place aiming to spark their inconsistent Premier League season. They come off a high after a 6-1 Champions League thrashing of Qarabag and a 2-1 league win over Tottenham that ended a four-game winless run.
However history weighs heavily as Newcastle have lost their last 12 visits to City. Eddie Howe acknowledged City as the benchmark for years praising their outstanding management and consistent excellence. He noted past defeats at Etihad have been painful but valuable lessons for growth and improvement.
Howe stressed every team is beatable pointing to Newcastle’s earlier 2-1 league win over City this season at St James’ Park. He called for perfect tactical and physical execution to bridge the gap and claim a result.
Team news and predicted lineups for key clash
Manchester City face doubts over Erling Haaland after he missed the FA Cup win over Salford due to a knock from the Fulham game. Josko Gvardiol Mateo Kovacic Savinho remain out with injuries while Jeremy Doku is doubtful with a calf problem and Max Alleyne may miss out after an early exit last weekend.
Predicted City starting XI: Donnarumma (GK); Ait-Nouri Guehi Dias Nunes; O’Reilly Rodri; Semenyo Silva Cherki; Haaland
Newcastle suffer a major blow with Bruno Guimaraes sidelined for around two months due to hamstring injury. Tino Livramento Lewis Miley Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth are also unavailable. Yoane Wissa is unlikely after a training knock though Sven Botman could return.
Predicted Newcastle starting XI: Pope (GK); Trippier Thiaw Burn Hall; Joelinton Tonali; Murphy Woltemade Barnes; Gordon
The match kicks off at 20:00 GMT on Saturday February 21 with full build-up and live coverage available from 17:00 GMT.
