Newcastle United will return to Premier League action this weekend as they face off against Manchester City. The match presents an opportunity for Manchester City to recover from their recent setback against Real Madrid, as they host Newcastle for a key league encounter on Saturday.
The hosts come into this match following a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid in a dramatic first leg of their Champions League knockout round on Tuesday. This loss has put pressure on Pep Guardiola's side, who currently sit in fifth place on the Premier League table with 41 points from 24 matches. A victory against Newcastle is crucial for them to maintain their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season.
On the other hand, Newcastle United is entering this clash in strong form, having gone unbeaten in their last five away games. They are riding high after a commendable 3-2 victory over Birmingham City, who lead League One, in the FA Cup. This success will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they prepare to take on a formidable opponent.
Match Details:
- Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 3 PM GMT / 10 AM ET
- Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
- Broadcasting: Available on Peacock (US), Optus (Australia), and Fubo (Canada)
Team News and Lineups
Manchester City will be evaluating the fitness of Jack Grealish, who had to exit midweek due to injury during the game against Real Madrid, leaving his availability uncertain. Manuel Akanji faces a more serious situation after being substituted as well, with rumors suggesting a potential long-term muscle injury that could jeopardize the rest of his season.
Fortunately for City, Ruben Dias has returned from injury without issues and is expected to play a key role in the defense. Nico Gonzalez is also likely to return after being sidelined following a blow during his debut, while John Stones may continue in his effective No. 6 position.
Expected Manchester City Lineup (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Ederson
- Defenders: Lewis, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol
- Midfielders: Nico, Stones
- Forwards: Marmoush, Foden, Silva, Haaland
Injuries: Rodri (ACL), Bobb (broken leg), Akanji (muscle), Grealish (groin, doubtful) Suspensions: None
Newcastle United is facing a defensive crisis ahead of this match, with reliable center-backs Dan Burn and Sven Botman both having undergone scans after recent games. While both players appear to have avoided any long-term injuries, their availability remains doubtful. Midfielder Joelinton is out for several weeks due to a knee injury sustained earlier this month, and Harvey Barnes continues to recover from a thigh injury. However, Anthony Gordon's condition seems less severe, and he may be fit to play.
Expected Newcastle Lineup (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Dubravka
- Defenders: Trippier, Schar, Krafth, Hall
- Midfielders: Guimaraes, Tonali, Willock
- Forwards: Murphy, Isak, Gordon
Injuries: Joelinton (knee), Barnes (thigh), Gordon (thigh, doubtful), Burn (groin, doubtful), Botman (knee, doubtful) Suspensions: None
This Premier League match will be held at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, UK, on Saturday, February 15, kicking off at 3:00 PM local time.
Despite Newcastle's impressive recent form, they have historically struggled against Manchester City. Nonetheless, their strong away performance this season, with four victories already, has them aiming for a fifth against City. With their newfound confidence, Newcastle will seek to exploit any weaknesses in Manchester City's lineup.
Given both teams' current form and attacking capabilities, a high-scoring affair seems likely, with a draw appearing to be a realistic outcome.
Prediction: Manchester City 2 - 2 Newcastle United.
Zainab Y.
Also on site :
- La Liga match: Barcelona vs. Mallorca live stream, predictable lineups and match news
- Nantes vs. Paris Saint-Germain - prediction, free online live stream , lineups
- Arsenal Faces Crystal Palace: Key Match Details and Team Updates