How could Man City line up against Newcastle?

Man City have a rare opportunity to close the gap and apply some pressure to the Premier League leaders Liverpool on Saturday as their clash against Newcastle United will take place before the Reds' own game against Brighton.

Putting the dull draw with Shakhtar Donetsk to one side, City will be hoping to build on the brilliant victory over Chelsea last weekend and start pulling a run of results together.

Ederson will more than likely start in goal with what seems to be Guardiola's preferred centre-back partnership of Fernandinho and John Stones playing in-front of him.

Joao Cancelo has played the last two games and may make way for Kyle Walker with Benjamin Mendy also taking the place of Angelino, as the pair will be better equipped to deal with Newcastle's fast pair Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint Maximin.

Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne will likely continue in the midfield three but Ilkay Gundogan could make way for captain David Silva.

Guardiola was without Bernardo Silva for the visit of Chelsea due to suspension but he could return here with his energy being a useful asset against a stubborn defence even though Riyad Mahrez would be able to count himself unlucky if he is to miss out after his performance against Chelsea.

With Sergio Aguero ruled out Gabriel Jesus will likely lead the line with Raheem Sterling filling the other spot in attack.

Predicted Man City XI vs Newcastle United: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Fernandinho, Mendy; De Bruyne, Rodri, Silva; Bernardo, Jesus, Sterling.

Predicted substitutes: Bravo, Cancelo, Otamendi, Angelino, Gundogan, Foden, Mahrez.