Manchester City travel to Newcastle for the early kick off in the Premier League tomorrow.
Last season the game against Newcastle was the one where we all thought our hopes of retaining the Premier League title had evaporated. It was the game where we all figured that Manchester City had blown their chance. It was no as though they were even beaten by a better side, instead they simply through their chance away.
This season it is hoped we have got those kind of performances out from under our skin already because to all intents and purposes, we cannot afford another one. Accordingly Newcastle away is a must win game, but every game is must win until the leaders have lost 4 times.
So, at the least we should be used to playing under the shackles of pressure, even if most of it is self inflicted.
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Newcastle are a tidy and physical side, capable of niggling away at our sore spots, hoping for a roll over and a freak of luck. At corners and set pieces they will line up so much taller than we are and preventing these in key areas will be a feature of our game plan.
City should have the talent to withstand the rigours of this match and come away with a result, but they will need to be much improved. The last 2 games have seen City profit from some luck – on Saturday they will have to make their own.
David Silva and Ilkay Gundogan together have looked lethargic as possession is lost, putting unnecessary demands upon Rodrigo in turn. I would hope that only one of those will start – Gundogan preferably of the two but what I really want is to see that the other midfield slot is filled by Phil Foden. His energy will be needed to come away with a win.
In defence this is probably a game where Kyle Walker will be needed. Mendy should be on the left with Fernandinho and Stones together in the centre.
I expect Mahrez and Sterling to occupy the flanks with Jesus through the middle. Bernardo has done little to stake a claim in preference over Mahrez against Shakhtar.
Predicted Starting XI
Ederson
Walker, Stones, Fernandinho, Mendy
Rodrigo, De Bruyne, Foden
Sterling, Jesus, Mahrez