Premier League defending champions Manchester City are set to begin their 2024 calendar with a clash against Newcastle United on Saturday January 13.
The Citizens will be seeking to pick the maximum points to increase their chances of becoming the first side to win four back-to-back titles in the history of the Premier League.
They currently sit third in the table standings with 40 points, five less than leaders Liverpool who will not be in action until Sunday, January 30.
However, the Pep Guardiola-coached side have a chance of increasing their tally since they are among the four clubs that have a game in hand.
On the other hand, Newcastle United are currently undergoing one of their worst runs, losing three matches in a row.
The Magpies recent loss came in the hands of Liverpool less than two weeks ago where they were hammered 4-2 at Anfield Stadium.
The Eddie Howe-led side know that any result other than a win at home, will derail their chances of playing European football next year.
Here is everything you need to be aware of ahead of the tie.
What time does Newcastle vs Manchester City start?
The crunch tie is expected to kick off at 8:30 PM Tanzanian time at St. James’ Park
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Newcastle vs Manchester United Team News.
Although Newcastle United does not have any player who will be featuring at the delayed 2023 AFCON and Asian Cup, the squad has been depleted by injuries.
Howe is expected to be without Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock, Nick Pope, Jacob Murphy, Elliot Anderson, Callum Wilson, Javier Manquillo and Matt Targett, who are all continuing with their injury recoveries.
Sandro Tonali will also not play a role in the match since he is currently serving a ban that was imposed on him by the Italian Football Federation in October 2023.
Moreover, Howe confirmed that Joelinton picked up a thigh injury which is expected to keep him out for several weeks.
Meanwhile Manchester City head to St. James’ Park with most of their players available for selection.
Star midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, Erling Haaland, Kalvin Philips, and Bernardo Silva could all travel to St. James Park.
The only likely absentee in Guardiola’s star-studded side is Switzerland international Manuel Akanji.
Possible Starting Lineups
Newcastle: Dubravka, Burn, Schar, Botman, Trippier, Guimaraes, Longstaff, Miley, Gordon, Almiron, Isak
Manchester City: Ederson, Gvardiol, Dias, Ake, Walker, Rodri, Bernardo, Kovacic, De Bruyne, Foden, Haaland
Newcastle vs Manchester United head-to-head
Manchester City and Newcastle United have locked horns 16 times in all competitions since 2016 with the Cityzens emerging victorious on 11 occasions. Three of those matches ended in a draw (1 – 1, 2 – 2 and 3 – 3).
In the recent five encounters between the two clubs, City triumphed three times while the Magpies picked up only one win.
Newcastle: 2
Draw: 3
Manchester City: 11
Newcastle vs Manchester United Current Form
Newcastle: DLLLLW
Manchester City: WWWWW
Newcastle vs Manchester United Prediction
Although it is difficult to predict Newcastle games, their current injury crisis has drastically reduced their chances of beating Manchester City.
In addition, Guardiola heads to St. James with almost his entire army fit and ready for battle. Therefore, despite the home advantage, the hosts will have to give their all and hope luck is on their side to pick up the maximum points.