Predicted XI

De Bruyne back - How Man City could line-up against Newcastle on Boxing Day

The Belgian was left out of the squad for City's League Cup victory against Arsenal during the week but should return for Premier League action

 
12:27pm on Thursday 24th December 2020
By
Martin Macdonald

Man City manager Pep Guardiola is set to reintroduce a number of senior players to his starting XI for his team's Boxing Day clash with Newcastle Utd.

This midweek City successfully progressed in the League Cup after a comfortable 4-1 away victory against Arsenal, with Gabriel Jesus, Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, and Aymeric Laporte all getting on the scoresheet.

Guardiola made a raft of changes for that one, but with only Eric Garcia injured within the first-team squad, he will likely bring back all the big hitters that didn't start in the League Cup.

John Stones has impressed recently and was rested against Arsenal, meaning he'll probably come in for Laporte who probably isn't ready to play two games in such a short period of time after only recently returning from injury.

Kevin De Bruyne wasn't even in the squad against the Gunners and will be fit and raring to go, with Ilkay Gundogan also coming into midfield.

That could mean a place on the bench for Rodri and Fernandinho, with City not likely to need to deep-lying midfielders due to the amount of possession they'll have versus Newcastle.

Raheem Sterling should return, potentially at the expense of Bernardo Silva.

Guardiola has plenty of options for the three behind the striker, and may opt to give Phil Foden a start in the Premier League after his goal and overall good outing against Arsenal.

If Ferran Torres comes in, that will probably be for Riyad Mahrez.

Both Jesus and Aguero are available, with the Argentine given 15 minutes off the bench in the cup.

He is still battling to get back to full fitness, so may have to settle for an appearance off the bench again.

How Man City could line up against Newcastle

Man City - Football tactics and formations

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