Man City are preparing to play against Newcastle United at St James’ Park this weekend, as they look to close the gap to Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola will be pleased that his players will be coming back from the international break unscathed in terms of injuries. They had a couple to deal with before the break when they recorded that stunning 3-0 win against Liverpool.
However, one of them, Rodri, looks to be potentially able to play against Newcastle this weekend. Guardiola said before the break: “I think we won’t take a risk ahead of the international break. We have to find the moment he feels strong and fit to sustain the actions in the game properly.”
If City manage to beat Newcastle on Saturday, they could close the gap to league leaders Arsenal to just one point. The Gunners play against rivals Tottenham on Sunday afternoon.
O’Reilly returns after impressive England outings
GK – Gianluigi Donnarumma – Donnarumma starts in goal, hoping to make it two clean sheets in a row for Man City.
LB – Nico O’Reilly – O’Reilly is becoming a more regular option for both Guardiola and Thomas Tuchel for England after a period of impressive form.
CB – Ruben Dias – Dias is arguably the most nailed on member of Guardiola’s defence at the moment, as he continues consistent performances.
CB – Josko Gvardiol – Gvardiol starts ahead of John Stones as he helped keep a clean sheet against Liverpool in the last game.
RB – Matheus Nunes – Nunes returns from international duty with Portugal, and remains the preferred right-back over Rico Lewis.
Rodri returns to the Man City midfield
CDM – Rodri – Rodri had more of a rest over the break, and so will likely feature in some capacity against Newcastle.
CM – Tijani Reijnders – Bernardo Silva started last time out, but he was booked, so we could see Reijnders come back into the starting XI.
CM – Phil Foden – Foden seems to have cemented his place in City’s starting XI as a number 10. If only he could do the same for England.
Haaland looks to score his 15th in the Premier League
LW – Jeremy Doku – The Belgium international has been exceptional this season for Guardiola’s side, and will continue to start on the left.
RW – Rayan Cherki – Cherki looked very comfortable on the right during the win against Liverpool, so he keeps his space here.
ST – Erling Haaland – Haaland already has 14 goals in the Premier League this season, after just 11 matches.
Click here to see Man City’s full first team squad for the 2025/26 season.