Manchester City host Newcastle United in a vital clash at the top end of the Premier League.
City seem to have found their footing at the crucial moment in the title race. After recovering from behind to secure a vital late victory at Anfield, the Citizens extended their winning streak to four in all competitions with wins over Fulham in the league and League Two promotion contenders Salford City in the FA Cup.
With Arsenal slipping up against both Brentford and Wolves, the gap at the summit of the Premier League has been cut to just five points with City holding a game in hand and the opportunity to mount more pressure on the Gunners.
However, their next opponents will be stern opposition, as Newcastle United travel to the Etihad looking to build some momentum to mount a late push for European football.
They enjoyed a thumping 6-1 victory over Qarabag in their Champions League trip to Azerbaijan and will be wanting to continue that form into the Premier League and move up the table.
Having defeated the Toon 5-1 on aggregate in their recent Carabao Cup semi-final, City know what they have to do to defeat their opponents once again.
However, this is a pivotal game in both the title race and the quest for Europe, and with the consequences of defeat severe for both sides this could spark a pulsating affair.
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola may have to suffer without a whole host of his key attackers. Pacey wingers Savinho and Jeremey Doku may be in line to return after they missed the last few games due to injury, but Premier League top scorer Erling Haaland could miss out after suffering a knock against Fulham.
In other team news, the Citizens will definitely be without defenders Josko Gvardiol and Max Alleyne, while the game is just too soon for Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic.
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe will be relieved that his team returned from Azerbaijan with a comfortable cushion, as the second leg should allow him the opportunity to rest some of his players after the long travel that they have endured.
This will likely see him select a full-strength lineup at the Etihad, although he will be without some key players due to injury. Bruno Guimaraes will be absent, joining long term absentees Yoane Wissa, Tino Livramento and Fabian Schar on the treatment table.
However, Joelinton and Lewis Miley may be available to return, which would offer Howe some much-needed options in the middle of the park.
Likely Lineups
Manchester City
Donnaruma; Ait Nouri, Guehi, Dias, Nunes; O’Reilly, Rodri, Silva; Semenyo, Haaland, Cherki
Newcastle United
Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Woltemade, Willock; Barnes, Gordon, Elanga
Key Players
Manchester City: Antoine Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo has revitalised **Manchester City**’s attack since his mid-season arrival from Bournemouth.
The Ghanian international has hit the ground running at the Etihad, notching five goals across his opening nine appearances. That includes strikes in the league against Tottenham, Wolves and Fulham, while his pace and direct approach have added yet another dimension to City’s formidable attack.
Semenyo’s form could not happen at a better time, with City winning seven of his first nine matches and gunning for Arsenal at the top of the table. The question of if he can continue this form will be a key one if City are to usurp the leaders and reclaim the Premier League trophy.
Newcastle United: Anthony Gordon
With Wissa having suffered a host of injuries since he signed from Brentford in the summer, and Nick Woltemade impressing but finding his form in midfield, there were question marks about who would elevate the Toon in attack.
However, after he scored four in a brilliant first half display, Eddie Howe may have finally unearthed Anthony Gordon as his answer to his striker conundrum.
The forward tore his hosts ragged, ripping through the backline to draw fouls and create chances whilst also having the composure to finish them himself to take his tally up to nine goals in the competition.
Unfortunately for the Toon, he has only scored three Premier League goals this season. If Gordon can transition this Champions League form into the league, then that may be enough to propel Newcastle up to the table and into contention for another European tour next season.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
This encounter takes place at the Etihad Stadium.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is at 20:00pm GMT
How can I watch?
This match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports