Man City lineup today: Phil Foden keeps his place in the team

UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly

Manchester City take on Newcastle United in the lunchtime kick-off on Saturday in a match that kickstarts a huge weekend of Premier League action. After Arsenal beat Everton in emphatic fashion on Wednesday night, City know that they can’t afford to drop points against a Newcastle side that will be looking to put their cup final disappointment behind them.

After a stop-start season, Pep Guardiola’s men have shown signs that they are getting somewhat close to their usual levels in recent weeks. After losing to Tottenham Hotspur on the 5th of February, City have enjoyed important victories over Aston Villa, Arsenal and Bournemouth to keep themselves within touching distance of the Gunners at the top of the Premier League.

A recent change in formation has appeared to improve City’s fortunes with Guardiola opting to play just three defenders in several fixtures since João Cancelo’s shock transfer to Bayern Munich at the end of January. It has meant that Portuguese midfielder, Bernardo Silva, has often found himself covering at left back when teams have counter-attacked on the Citizens.

The change of formation has meant that Guardiola has been able to field more of his attacking players as he searches for ways to get better service to star man, Erling Haaland. The move has been particularly beneficial for Phil Foden, who has returned to his best form in the past couple of weeks.

VIDEO: Phil Foden's goal for #ManCity.pic.twitter.com/1To5Ua7419
— City Report (@cityreport_) February 28, 2023

Team news

Contents

1 Team news
2 Confirmed lineup

Defence

Kyle Walker has come back into the team which could indicate that Guardiola has reverted back to a back four for the visit of Newcastle. Ederson has come back in for Ortega after being rested against Bristol City in the FA Cup midweek while Akanji, Ake and Dias have all retained their places in the team.

John Stones and Aymeric Laporte have both returned to training this week, but it appears that this game has come too early for both of them. They are both on the bench, however, which indicates they are full fit once again.

Midfield

Rodri starts in the heart of the City midfield while Ilkay Gungodan has been recalled to play alongside him. Kevin De Bruyne is the third man in the three-man midfield with the Belgian likely to be afforded the most freedom out of the trio. Gundogan’s recall is a sign of the respect Guardiola has for this Newcastle team, despite their recent patchy form.

Attack

Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez both miss out which means Phil Foden and Jack Grealish start on either side of Erling Haaland. While Grealish is enjoying his best season in a City shirt and Foden has returned to form, Alvarez will feel hard done by to miss out.

The Argentinian has offered City a bit of electricity in recent weeks which has perhaps been lacking at times this season. With rumours circulating that he would like to move away from Manchester in the summer for more first-team football, this is the kind of game Guardiola possibly needed to play him in to convince him to stay.