UNBELIEVABLE DISCOUNTS AT AMAZON.COM ||
By Graham Ruthven
City have already proven their ability to cope without Rodri this season. Indeed, the 28-year-old’s start against Arsenal was his first of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign with Mateo Kovačić and Rico Lewis instead used as a deep-lying pairing in wins over Chelsea, Ipswich Town, West Ham, and Brentford.
Last season, though, Manchester City lost three straight games that Rodri missed through injury, highlighting the importance of the Spanish international to the defending Premier League champions. Pep Guardiola will have to find a way to reconstruct his midfield. City’s entire season could depend on it.
While City are unbeaten in their last 28 league matches, Newcastle come into Saturday’s game on the back of a disappointing defeat to Fulham. The Magpies had their mid-week Carabao Cup tie against AFC Wimbledon postponed and so have had extra time to prepare for the visit of the Premier League champions.
Harvey Barnes has been in excellent goalscoring form for Newcastle, notching in each of his last three games. Alexander Isak, on the other hand, has scored just one goal in five league matches and needs to improve his productivity in front of goal to come anywhere close to the tally of 21 goals he registered last term.
Erling Haaland is experiencing no such issues in front of goal having scored 10 times in just five league games. The Norwegian striker has reached new heights in the early part of the season and has been aided by the summer addition of Savinho who is doing a lot to stretch opposition defences on the right side and open up space in the attacking third. Newcastle will have to keep things tight at the back.
Kevin de Bruyne is a doubt to feature at St James’ Park after missing last weekend’s match against Arsenal while Nathan Aké and Oscar Bobb are also sidelined through injury. Newcastle, meanwhile, will be without Sven Botman and Callum Wilson, although neither player has featured for them this season anyway.
St James’ Park is one of the toughest away venues in the Premier League. Only Liverpool, City and Arsenal had a stronger home record than Newcastle last season while Eddie Howe’s team have won both of their matches in front of their own supporters this term. City will have to work hard to leave the North East with three points.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.
