Manchester City will enter their upcoming fixture against Newcastle United in high spirits, after taking AFC Bournemouth to the cleaners with a rampant 4-0 victory.
Sitting at the summit of the Premier League table after the opening two games, Pep Guardiola’s side have bounced back from their defeat in the FA Community Shield in true Champions’ style so far.
However, Manchester City are now set to lock horns against a Newcastle United side that are well capable of springing a surprise.
Eddie Howe’s side have started the new season convincingly, with four points from their first two games.
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With their clash against the Premier League champions set to be played at a notoriously lively St. James’ Park, the hosts could use their home advantage in their favour, as the Sky Blues will certainly have a tough test on their hands.
Ahead of an enticing contest that will kick off on Sunday afternoon, here’s how we expect Manchester City to line-up.
Predicted Team
As per standard procedure, Ederson starts in goal.
Kyle Walker has quietly been going about his business in fine fashion as an inverted right-back, and is expected to do the same against Newcastle.
Despite Nathan Ake’s superb start to the season, John Stones could be in for a return, as he was given a run-out in the last half an hour against AFC Bournemouth.
Ruben Dias is very close to being a guaranteed starter in this side, as his colossal presence will be key against a dangerous Magpies attack.
Although we saw Sergio Gomez officially announced as a Manchester City player as recently as Tuesday, Joao Cancelo is set to keep his place at left-back.
Much like Dias, Rodri is another figure that is undoubtedly one of the first names in the team sheet.
After recently being announced as the official club captain, Ilkay Gundogan - who has kicked off the 2022/23 campaign in stellar fashion - is expected to lead the team out at St. James’ Park.
Coming off the back of a Man of the Match display against the Cherries where he may have potentially scored one of the goals of the season, starting Kevin De Bruyne is a foregone conclusion.
A return to the right wing could be on the cards for Phil Foden, considering Jack Grealish impressed out on the left as a second half substitute against Bournemouth.
After setting up Ilkay Gundogan with a brilliant assist on Saturday, Erling Haaland would be hoping to get on the scoresheet himself against Eddie Howe’s side.
Starting XI: Ederson; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo; Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne; Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish.
Substitutes: Stefan Ortega Moreno, Nathan Ake, Josh Wilson-Esbrand, Sergio Gomez, Kalvin Phillips, Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez, Cole Palmer, Julian Alvarez.
Topics: John Stones, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Premier League, Football
Srinivas Sadhanand