Pep Guardiola has made six changes to Manchester City’s starting lineup for their crucial Premier League showdown against Newcastle United this afternoon.
Rico Lewis, Abdukodir Khusanov, Nico, Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden, and Omar Marmoush all come into the side following City’s 3-2 Champions League play-off first-leg loss to Real Madrid.
This marks Nico’s Etihad Stadium debut after his first appearance for the club was cut short at Leyton Orient last weekend.
In a notable first, Erling Haaland has been handed the captain’s armband, leading City in a high-stakes battle. Meanwhile, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Bernardo Silva, Jack Grealish, and Kevin De Bruyne are all left out of the starting eleven.
The clash at the Etihad is a pivotal one, with City and Newcastle level on points and goal difference. City holds a slight advantage due to a superior goal tally, but a win for either side will propel them into the top four, making this a must-win encounter.
Starting Lineups
Manchester City XI: Ederson, Lewis, Khusanov, Stones, Gvardiol, Nico, Gundogan, Foden, Marmoush, Savinho, Haaland (C).
Subs: Ortega Moreno, Kovacic, Doku, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Reis, Nunes, O’Reilly, McAtee.
Newcastle United XI: Dubravka, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Hall, Bruno G. (C), Tonali, Willock, Murphy, Gordon, Isak.
Subs: Pope, Wilson, Barnes, Targett, Krafth, Osula, Livramento, Longstaff, Miley.
Tactical Breakdown
Rico Lewis will take his place on the right side of the defense, with Josko Gvardiol covering the left. John Stones and Abdukodir Khusanov will marshal the central defensive areas.
Further up, Nico and Ilkay Gundogan will be tasked with controlling midfield against Newcastle’s highly-rated engine room. Phil Foden will take on a creative role ahead of them, looking to break down the opposition defense.
On the wings, Omar Marmoush and Savinho will provide width and attacking support for central striker and skipper Erling Haaland, who aims to lead by example in this crucial fixture.