Manchester City probably wouldn't have chosen a trip to Newcastle United in the early Premier League kickoff this weekend, as they begin a sustained period without influential midfielder Rodri.
The Ballon d'Or nominee suffered knee ligament damage during last weekend's tempestuous 2-2 draw against Arsenal.
City were forced to come from behind to claim a vital win at St James' Park last season, when they also lost at Newcastle in the Carabao Cup. Early in the 2022/23 season, the sides played out a pulsating 3-3 draw on Tyneside.
Newcastle's impressive start to the season was checked by a 3-1 defeat at Fulham last time out, although Eddie Howe's men did enjoy a midweek off as their Carabao Cup trip to AFC Wimbledon was called off in bizarre circumstances.
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Newcastle vs. Man City lineups, expected starting 11, confirmed team news
Howe will ponder changes after the Fulham setback. Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall could refresh the full-back positions, while the need to use any possession clinically means playmaker Sandro Tonali should return to the starting 11. Matt Targett is not an option in defence after an eczema flare-up
Newcastle's hopes may stand or fall on whether star striker Alexander Isak overcomes a toe injury that makes him a doubt. Experienced forward Callum Wilson remains sidelined alongside long-term absentees Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Bottman. As such, left-winger Anthony Gordon will probably be redeployed to centre-forward if Isak can't make it.
Newcastle predicted 11 (4-3-3, right to left): Pope (GK) — Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall — Joelinton, Guimaraes, Tonali — Barnes, Gordon, Almiron.
Injured: Wilson, Lascelles, Bottman, Targett, Isak (doubt)
Suspended: None
Rodri was immense as City won a 3-2 thriller at St James' Park last season, where Kevin De Bruyne ignited the comeback with an excellent goal before a similarly impressive assist for Oscar Bobb's last-minute winner. Guardiola will need new matchwinners this time around, as all three of those players remain sidelined alongside Nathan Ake.
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Rico Lewis might get the nod over Kyle Walker at right-back as his capacity to step into midfield and build the play in Rodri's absence could be vital. Mateo Kovacic is most likely to start in place of the Spain star at the base of the midfield.
Jack Grealish's hand in John Stones' equaliser against Arsenal and an assist in midweek might be enough to win the England man a place in the starting lineup.
Man City predicted 11 (4-3-3, right to left): Ederson (GK) — Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol — Silva, Kovacic, Foden — Savinho, Haaland, Grealish.
Injured: Rodri, De Bruyne, Ake, Bobb
Suspended: None
MORE: How will Man City replace Rodri?
Newcastle vs. Man City live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this Premier League match across selected areas of the world's major regions:
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | Universo, USA Network | Fubo, Universo NOW, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, NBC Sports app/site |
| Canada | — | Fubo |
| UK | TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate | discovery+;'s |
| Australia | — | Optus Sport |
| India | Star Sports Select 1 | JioTV, Hotstar VIP |
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