Predicted Manchester City XI to face Newcastle United: Who should start for the Cityzens?
Manchester City dropped their first points of the season as Pep Guardiola’s team was held to a 1-1 draw by a resolute Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.
City had several chances in the first half, with Sergio Aguero hitting the post and Raheem Sterling forcing a good save from a stunning long-range effort. However, the reigning champions failed to break the deadlock.
Aymeric Laporte scored a header to restore parity after Wolves scored a shocking goal. However, Aguero and Gabriel Jesus could not make the most of their opportunities in the second half, following City’s equalizer.
The Sky Blues must aim to repeat their performances against Arsenal and Huddersfield Town, which saw them scoring eight goals in the first two games. Pep Guardiola’s men face Newcastle United at the Etihad this weekend.
Team News
Kevin de Bruyne continues to nurse his knee ligament injury and will not be available for selection before November. Claudio Bravo is also sidelined due to an injury to his Achilles tendon.
Brazilian full-back Danilo and French centre-back Eliaquim Mangala are also out with injuries.
Predicted Manchester City XI to face Newcastle United
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Formation: 4-3-3
Ederson Moraes (GK)
The Brazilian is known to produce crucial saves in one-on-one situations and he should start once again.
Kyle Walker (RB)
The England international looked composed defensively but did not use his attacking prowess to good effect against Wolves. However, there should not be any doubts regarding his selection.
John Stones (CB)
Vincent Kompany had a poor game by his standards. The Belgian looked sloppy and often lost possession way too easily. Hence, Guardiola should pick Stones ahead of him for the next game.
Aymeric Laporte (CB)
The Frenchman is comfortable with the ball at his feet and his header against Wolves saved the team from the blushes of a shock defeat. Thus, he must retain his position in the team.
Benjamin Mendy (LB)
The Frenchman has proven to be a powerful weapon for City down the left. He was good with his crosses in the previous game and Guardiola should continue to deploy him.
Ilkay Gundogan (LM)
Although the German was not as threatening in the game against Wolves, he did no harm to his reputation. In fact, he dictated terms in the midfield with his elegance and range of passing. He should retain his position in the midfield.
Fernandinho (CDM)
The Brazilian had a decent game against Wolves. Although he found it difficult to deal with the pacy counter-attacks, he launched a few attacks of his own and should be the ideal choice for the defensive midfield position against Newcastle.
David Silva (RM)
The Spaniard did not have the best of games against Wolves but he engineered some good attacks in the second half. Guardiola should persist with his best playmaker.
Raheem Sterling (LW)
The former Liverpool man is good with his shooting and he should start in the next game ahead of Leroy Sane.
Bernardo Silva (RW)
The Portuguese is known for producing some brilliant passes. His overall game has been good so far and Guardiola should continue to hand him more starts.
Sergio Aguero (ST)
The Argentine had a relatively poor day at the office against Wolves, following his hat-trick against Huddersfield. Nevertheless, he is an automatic selection for City.
