Man City predicted XI vs Newcastle: One change as in-form attacker dropped - gallery

Manchester City are expected to name a strong line-up against Newcastle United.
Manchester City are expected to name a strong line-up against Newcastle United.

Manchester City return to Premier League action on Saturday just three days after claiming a maiden European Super Cup success.

The Blues beat Sevilla 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes on Wednesday. Cole Palmer scored the only goal of the match for City, despite speculation continuing to surround his future, while £77.6 summer signing Josko Gvardiol was handed a first start since arriving from RB Leipzig.

City were without Kevin De Bruyne for the game, and will be for the foreseeable future as he has been ruled out for three to four months with a hamstring injury. It means City will have to find an adequate replacement in the attacking midfield role over the coming months.

Put in a superb display as City beat Sevilla on Wednesday.
Put in a superb display as City beat Sevilla on Wednesday.

Phil Foden played in that position on Wednesday, and was impressive in the second period. Julian Alvarez has also fulfilled that role in the early weeks of the season, and the Argentinian only played in the latter stages of the midweek match in Piraeus.

Bernardo Silva would have offered an alternative, but Pep Guardiola said on Friday that the midfielder has been ruled out of the Newcastle encounter, as has John Stones. With Ruben Dias also a doubt, it leaves City short on options at the heart of defence.

It may be just the second weekend of the Premier League season, but Guardiola would have ideally been thinking about keeping his squad fresh. This is City’s fourth match in all competitions, compared to Newcastle’s solitary fixture to date, and the Super Cup in Greece, played in sweltering conditions, was hardly ideal ahead of Saturday’s match against fellow Champions League opponents.

Guardiola is expected to name a strong side for the clash with the Magpies - here’s how we think City will line up on Saturday...

Has captained the side in all three matches so far this season.
Has captained the side in all three matches so far this season.
The lack of defensive options may see Akanji retain his place.
The lack of defensive options may see Akanji retain his place.
His role as a left-back moving inside could be crucial against Newcastle’s high line.
His role as a left-back moving inside could be crucial against Newcastle’s high line.
Could make his home debut and start his first Premier League match.
Could make his home debut and start his first Premier League match.
Scored in last week’s win over Burnley.
Scored in last week’s win over Burnley.
If selected, may look to provide penetrative runs from deep.
If selected, may look to provide penetrative runs from deep.
Played the final minutes against Sevilla and is likely to return to the line-up as a result.
Played the final minutes against Sevilla and is likely to return to the line-up as a result.
Played in the middle on Wednesday but will probably play in a wide area at the weekend. Palmer is another option.
Played in the middle on Wednesday but will probably play in a wide area at the weekend. Palmer is another option.
Was incredibly quiet against Sevilla and will be looking to add to his two goals already scored in the league this season.
Was incredibly quiet against Sevilla and will be looking to add to his two goals already scored in the league this season.
Has never been on the losing side in five previous career meetings with Newcastle.
Has never been on the losing side in five previous career meetings with Newcastle.