Opportunity knocks in the title race for Pep Guardiola’s side this afternoon as they look to bounce back quickly from their Champions League exit.
City were bested by Real Madrid in a classic semi-final tie, meaning their wait for a first European triumph goes on.
However, their mood will have been lifted slightly by watching Liverpool drop points against Tottenham at Anfield last night, returning to the Premier League summit on goal difference only.
That result means a win for City at the Etihad Stadium today would see them go back top and three points clear of Jurgen Klopp’s quadruple-chasers with only three matches left to play this season.
Newcastle are a team reborn under Eddie Howe and will have designs on securing a top-half finish having previously been embroiled in a relegation battle.
However, the Magpies have won just one of their past 28 league matches against City and are still awaiting their first-ever victory at this venue.
They have also only taken one point from clubs occupying places in the top six so far this term.
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Live updates
Pep Guardiola: Losing to Real Madrid in the Champions League is not a ‘failure’
Pep Guardiola does not believe Manchester City’s dramatic loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals constitutes a “failure”.
City looked set to set up an all-English affair with Liverpool later this month before Rodrygo and Karim Benzema scored late on to send Madrid through to the final at their expense.
Guardiola’s inability to win the club game’s grandest prize since leaving Barcelona has frequently been used as a stick to beat him with, particularly given the money he has been afforded at the Etihad.
Whether or not that means his legacy at the club, and the Premier League as a whole, is somewhat tainted is up for debate, given just how dominant City have been on the domestic front since his appointment in 2016.
City are currently in pole position to win yet another League title under Guardiola’s watch, a trophy that would take him above anyone else in the division’s history aside from Sir Alex Ferguson in terms of titles won.
You can read Guardiola’s full comments here.
Could Paul Pogba join Manchester City?
Manchester City have been offered the chance to sign Manchester United star Paul Pogba in a sensational deal this summer, according to reports.
The French midfielder is out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of the season, when it is widely expected he will depart the club for the second time with no agreement reached over a lucrative extension.
Pogba has been linked with returning to his native France with Paris Saint-Germain after his United deal expires, while he has also been mentioned in connection with the likes of Real Madrid and former club Juventus.
However, The Times reported on Saturday that the 29-year-old joins West Ham’s Declan Rice – also a top United target – on a City shortlist of box-to-box midfield targets that could potentially replace Fernandinho, the long-serving captain who plans to depart Etihad Stadium this summer.
Although he would obviously command significant wages, the lack of a transfer fee for Pogba could make him a more attractive candidate than Rice, who West Ham do not want to sell and value at an exorbitant £150million with three years left to run on his contract.
Prediction
Newcastle are a solid defensive unit but, as they showed against Liverpool, tend to lack the kind of attacking danger to truly threaten the League’s leading teams.
Man City to win, 2-0.
Newcastle team news
For Newcastle, Howe revealed there is a very strong chance Callum Wilson could play for the first time since December, while Kieran Trippier has also returned to full training.
Isaac Hayden, Ryan Fraser and Jamal Lewis all remain out, with Fabian Schar a big doubt.
Man City team news
Guardiola has confirmed Kevin De Bruyne was only brought off against Madrid for tactical reasons, meaning he is fit for today’s game. Elsewhere, Kyle Walker and John Stones are both doubts.
How to watch
TV channel: In the UK, today’s game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HD.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers will also be able to watch the match online through the Sky Go app.
LIVE coverage: Get minute-by-minute updates through Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog this afternoon.
Welcome
Good afternoon and welcome to Standard Sport’s dedicated match coverage as Manchester City host Newcastle.
Following Liverpool’s draw against Tottenham, City could tigthen their grip on the Premier League title.
Kick-off at the Etihad Stadium is at 4.30pm BST.