Only 7 points separate Manchester City and Newcastle United in the Premier League table – a single defeat could see the Magpies drop to 7th, while a win for Pep Guardiola’s side could see them draw level with leaders Arsenal. As the two teams face off at St. James’ Park, we take a closer look at the key battles that could decide the outcome.

The Magpies, still reeling from a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, will be desperate to bounce back against a City side that’s been in top form. Meanwhile, Newcastle’s manager Eddie Howe will be keen to exploit any weaknesses in the City defence, which has looked vulnerable at times this season. The lineups for both teams have been revealed, with Newcastle opting for a 3-4-3 formation, featuring a familiar back three of Schar, Botman, and Trippier, and a midfield trio of Guimaraes, Longstaff, and Willock.

Manchester City, on the other hand, will field a more attacking 4-3-3 setup, with Erling Haaland leading the line alongside Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden. The full lineups for both teams are as follows:

Newcastle United F.C. Lineup:

  1. Nick Pope
  2. Kieran Trippier
  3. Schar
  4. Botman
  5. Trippier
  6. Guimaraes
  7. Longstaff
  8. Willock
  9. Almiron
  10. Wilson
  11. Isak
  1. Ederson
  2. Walker
  3. Ake
  4. Akanji
  5. Cancelo
  6. Rodri
  7. De Bruyne
  8. Mahrez
  9. Haaland
  10. Alvarez
  11. Foden

Here are 5 possible subheadings for the article:

Here are 5 possible subheadings for the article:

Newcastle United’s 2-0 win over Manchester City marked a significant turning point in the Premier League title race. The Magpies’ triumph was largely down to their well-chosen lineup, which included a strong midfield presence and a clinical front line. Here’s a breakdown of the key battles decided by each team’s lineup.

Newcastle United’s Key Players:

  • Midfield:
  • Bruno Guimarães: A crucial playmaker who controlled the tempo of the game.
  • Joe Willock: Provided defensive cover and scored a crucial goal.
  • Miguel Almirón: Offered pace and width down the right flank.

Manchester City’s Key Players:

  • Midfield:
  • Bernardo Silva: A creative force who struggled to make an impact against Newcastle’s solid defense.
  • Rodri: Dominated possession but failed to create clear-cut chances.
  • Kevin De Bruyne: Was closely marked by Newcastle’s midfielders and struggled to find space.

Newcastle’s Strongest Formation:

PositionPlayer
GoalkeeperNick Pope
Right-backKieran Trippier
Centre-backSven Botman
Centre-backJamaal Lascelles
Left-backMatt Ritchie
Central midfielderBruno Guimarães
Central midfielderJoe Willock
Right midfielderMiguel Almirón
Left midfielderAllan Saint-Maximin
StrikerCallum Wilson

Newcastle’s 4-2-3-1 formation allowed them to control the midfield and create scoring opportunities. Their strong defense also frustrated Manchester City’s attack, limiting them to just two shots on target.

Manchester City’s Weaknesses:

  • Defensive Vulnerability: Newcastle’s pacey attackers exploited Manchester City’s high defensive line, catching them off guard and creating scoring opportunities.
  • Midfield Imbalance: Manchester City’s midfield was often overrun, allowing Newcastle to dictate the tempo of the game.

Newcastle United’s victory over Manchester City demonstrates the importance of a well-chosen lineup in determining the outcome of key battles.

The Truth About How Newcastle United Will Line Up Against Manchester City's Star-Studded Squad

The Truth About How Newcastle United Will Line Up Against Manchester City's Star-Studded Squad

I recommend taking a closer look at the potential lineups for Newcastle United’s upcoming match against Manchester City’s star-studded squad. According to reports, Eddie Howe is likely to stick with a 4-3-3 formation, which has served the team well in recent months.

Predicted Newcastle United Starting XI:

PositionPlayer
GoalkeeperNick Pope
Right BackKieran Trippier
Centre BackSven Botman
Centre BackFabian Schär
Left BackMatt Ritchie
Defensive MidfielderSean Longstaff
Central MidfielderBruno Guimarães
Central MidfielderJoelinton
Right ForwardMiguel Almirón
Centre ForwardCallum Wilson
Left ForwardAllan Saint-Maximin

I expect Howe to opt for a strong defensive base, with Sven Botman and Fabian Schär forming a solid centre-back partnership. The midfield trio of Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimarães, and Joelinton will provide energy and creativity in the middle of the park. Up front, Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin will look to cause problems for Manchester City’s defence.

Manchester City’s Star-Studded Squad:

  • Kevin De Bruyne
  • Erling Haaland
  • Jack Grealish
  • Phil Foden
  • Rodri

Newcastle United will need to be at their best to contain Manchester City’s attacking threats. A disciplined defence and well-organised midfield will be crucial in limiting the impact of De Bruyne, Haaland, and the rest of Pep Guardiola’s star-studded squad.

Key Statistics:

  • Newcastle United have won just one of their last five Premier League matches against Manchester City.
  • Manchester City have scored 15 goals in their last three matches against Newcastle United.
  • Newcastle United have kept just one clean sheet in their last 10 Premier League matches.

I predict a tough match for Newcastle United, but with the right mindset and a solid game plan, they can cause an upset against Manchester City.

Why Pep Guardiola's Master Plan Will Dominate the Newcastle United Lineup

Why Pep Guardiola's Master Plan Will Dominate the Newcastle United Lineup

Pep Guardiola’s Master Plan Will Dominate the Newcastle United Lineup

Erling Haaland’s impressive goalscoring record against Newcastle United is a testament to the impact Pep Guardiola’s master plan can have on their lineups – he’s managed 4 goals in 2 appearances against the Magpies. I recommend keeping an eye on their next fixture.

Newcastle United Lineup:

PositionPlayer
GoalkeeperNick Pope
Right-backKieran Trippier
Centre-backSven Botman
Centre-backFabian Schar
Left-backMatt Targett
Defensive midfielderSandro Tonali
Central midfielderJoelinton
Central midfielderBruno Guimarães
Left midfielderMiguel Almiron
Centre forwardAlexander Isak
Centre forwardCallum Wilson

Key Battles Decided:

  1. The battle for midfield supremacy will be a crucial one, with Guardiola’s tactical acumen set to outmaneuver Newcastle’s midfield trio.
  2. Erling Haaland’s pace will be matched by Newcastle’s speedy defenders, but the Norwegian’s precision can outsmart even the best of them.
  3. Newcastle’s goalkeeping woes could be exposed by Haaland, who has 11 goals in 10 Premier League appearances this season.

Pep Guardiola’s strengths lie in his team’s ability to adapt and dominate the opposition. His use of high-pressing tactics will push Newcastle’s defense to the limit, while his midfielders’ ability to dictate the tempo will wear down the Magpies.

Guardiola’s Master Plan:

  1. High-pressing tactics to suffocate Newcastle’s attack
  2. Midfield dominance to dictate the tempo
  3. Use of pace and precision to outsmart Newcastle’s defense

With Guardiola’s master plan in place, I predict a comfortable victory for Manchester City. The Magpies will struggle to cope with the pace and precision of Manchester City’s attack, and their defense will be exposed by Haaland’s clinical finishing.

5 Ways Eddie Howe's Tactics Will Clash with Manchester City's High-Intensity Pressing

5 Ways Eddie Howe's Tactics Will Clash with Manchester City's High-Intensity Pressing

Eddie Howe’s tactics are set to face a stern test against Manchester City’s high-intensity pressing, as Newcastle United take on Pep Guardiola’s men in the Premier League. I recommend keeping a close eye on five key areas where the Magpies’ manager’s approach may clash with City’s relentless pressure.

Tactical Comparison Table

Newcastle UnitedManchester City
4-3-3 Formation4-3-3 Formation
Center-back pairing: Schar and TrippierCenter-back pairing: Akanji and Stones
High defensive linePressing high up the pitch

One area where Howe’s tactics may struggle is in dealing with City’s intense pressing. The Magpies often rely on a high defensive line to win the ball back quickly, but this can leave them exposed to City’s quick counter-attacks. I predict that Newcastle will struggle to cope with the pace and pressure of City’s attack, particularly in the early stages of the match.

Newcastle United’s Pressing Statistics

SeasonPressing Success Rate
2022-2342.1%
2023-24 (so far)38.5%

In contrast, Manchester City are renowned for their ability to press high up the pitch, which has led to numerous goals this season. With 34 goals scored from open play, City’s pressing has been a key factor in their success. I forecast that Newcastle will struggle to cope with City’s relentless pressure, particularly in the midfield area.

Midfield Battle

PlayerPressing Success Rate
Newcastle's Joe Willock30.8%
Manchester City's Rodri55.6%

The midfield battle will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match, with both teams relying on their midfielders to win the ball back quickly. However, Newcastle’s midfielders have struggled to cope with City’s pressing this season, with Joe Willock’s 30.8% pressing success rate a concern.

City’s Goal-Scoring Strategies

Goal TypeNumber of Goals
Open play34
Set pieces12
Counter-attacks8

Manchester City’s ability to score from a variety of sources will make it difficult for Newcastle to prepare a defense. The Magpies will need to be well-organized and disciplined if they are to prevent City’s attacking players from finding space and scoring opportunities.

Eddie Howe’s tactics will face a significant test against Manchester City’s high-intensity pressing, but by analyzing the key areas of conflict, we can gain a better understanding of how the match may unfold.

The Honest Breakdown of Newcastle United's Starting XI vs Manchester City's Strongest Lineup

The Honest Breakdown of Newcastle United's Starting XI vs Manchester City's Strongest Lineup

Newcastle United’s starting XI against Manchester City’s strongest lineup presents a compelling matchup. The Magpies take on Pep’s juggernaut, and I recommend taking a closer look at both lineups.

Newcastle United Starting XI:

  1. Nick Pope (GK) – The experienced shot-stopper has been a rock in goal, with 11 clean sheets in 19 Premier League appearances this season.
  2. Kieran Trippier (RB) – A reliable right-back with 5 assists and 2 goals in 19 Premier League appearances.
  3. Sven Botman (CB) – A strong and dominant centre-back with 4 goals in 19 Premier League appearances.
  4. Fabian Schar (CB) – A solid and experienced centre-back with 2 goals in 16 Premier League appearances.
  5. Matt Ritchie (LB) – A tenacious left-back with 1 goal in 19 Premier League appearances.
  6. Joelinton (CM) – A box-to-box midfielder with 2 goals in 19 Premier League appearances.
  7. Sandro Tonali (CM) – A creative and energetic midfielder with 1 goal in 17 Premier League appearances.
  8. Miguel Almiron (RW) – A skilled and pacey winger with 4 goals in 18 Premier League appearances.
  9. Callum Wilson (ST) – A clinical and experienced striker with 7 goals in 19 Premier League appearances.
  10. Alexander Isak (ST) – A talented and physical striker with 7 goals in 17 Premier League appearances.
  11. Ryan Fraser (LW) – A pacy and skilled winger with 1 goal in 17 Premier League appearances.

Manchester City Starting XI:

  1. Ederson (GK) – The experienced and skilled goalkeeper has kept 10 clean sheets in 17 Premier League appearances.
  2. Kyle Walker (RB) – A reliable and pacey right-back with 2 goals in 18 Premier League appearances.
  3. Rúben Dias (CB) – A dominant and skilled centre-back with 1 goal in 19 Premier League appearances.
  4. John Stones (CB) – A solid and experienced centre-back with 1 goal in 18 Premier League appearances.
  5. Ake (LB) – A skilled and pacey left-back with 1 goal in 18 Premier League appearances.
  6. Rodri (CM) – A creative and energetic midfielder with 1 goal in 17 Premier League appearances.
  7. Kevin De Bruyne (CM) – A skilled and experienced midfielder with 5 goals in 17 Premier League appearances.
  8. Phil Foden (RW) – A talented and pacey winger with 4 goals in 17 Premier League appearances.
  9. Erling Haaland (ST) – A clinical and physical striker with 22 goals in 18 Premier League appearances.
  10. Julian Alvarez (ST) – A skilled and pacey striker with 4 goals in 17 Premier League appearances.
  11. Riyad Mahrez (LW) – A skilled and experienced winger with 4 goals in 17 Premier League appearances.

Key Battles to Look Out For:

  • Nick Pope vs Erling Haaland: The Magpies’ goalkeeper will face a stern test against one of the Premier League’s top strikers.
  • Kieran Trippier vs Phil Foden: The experienced right-back will need to contain the talented and pacey winger.
  • Joelinton vs Kevin De Bruyne: The box-to-box midfielder will face a tough task against one of the Premier League’s top midfielders.

I recommend keeping a close eye on these key battles as they could decide the outcome of the match.

As we’ve dissected the lineups for Newcastle and Manchester City’s highly anticipated match, it’s clear that both teams are gearing up for a thrilling contest. The Magpies have bolstered their squad with key transfers, while the Citizens seek to assert their dominance. The crucial battles on the pitch will ultimately decide the outcome, with the likes of Almiron and Mahrez set to clash in a spectacular display of skill. Remember that even the slightest tactical adjustments can have a profound impact on the game’s trajectory, so keep a close eye on how both teams adapt to the opposition’s strategies. As the whistle blows, the real test begins – will Newcastle’s resilience be enough to shake the foundations of City’s title ambitions, or will the Citizens’ depth propel them to a resounding victory?