Man City vs Newcastle: Team news, where to watch, referee & VAR

Manchester City and Newcastle United are set to meet at the Etihad Stadium at 3pm on Saturday, with the two sides returning to Premier League action after both prevailing in the FA Cup fourth round.

Heading into the match, City and Newcastle are level on points and goal difference, with the hosts sitting one place higher in fifth courtesy of goals scored.

Both sides will be hoping to continue their push for the top four, and there could be an opportunity to leapfrog Chelsea if results go their way.

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Man City vs Newcastle team news

Man City

City’s season went on a significant downward spiral following Rodri’s ACL injury, and the midfielder remains sidelined, with the target remaining for him to recover by the end of the season.

Manuel Akanji is also facing a spell out after surgery, whereas Jack Grealish and Nico Gonzalez appear to be 50/50.

Newcastle

Newcastle also have their fair share of injury concerns, with Joelinton and Jamaal Lascelles not expected to return until next month, while Harvey Barnes is a little behind schedule in his return from a thigh injury.

Anthony Gordon was not part of the squad that secured a 3-2 victory against Birmingham City last time out, with the winger suffering a thigh issue but is expected to feature at the Etihad. Dan Burn has also recovered from a groin strain, however, fellow defender Sven Botman will be out.

Where to watch Man City vs Newcastle on TV

As the fixture is a Saturday 3pm kick-off, it is not available on TV in the United Kingdom.

However, viewers in Canada can watch on fuboTV, while in the USA the game can be followed on Peacock.

Man City vs Newcastle referee & VAR

The referee appointed for the game is Andy Madley, who will be assisted by Nick Hopton and Craig Taylor. Tim Robinson has been selected as the fourth official and on VAR is John Brooks, assisted by Lee Betts.

As can be seen, both clubs win more than they lose with Madley in charge, with the ref yet to give a penalty against Man City in 12 games.

Man City vs Newcastle form

Man City

The Sky Blues’ form has picked up somewhat since the turn of the year, managing to keep themselves in the hunt for the Champions League places with victories over the likes of West Ham United, Chelsea and Ipswich Town.

However, the 5-1 defeat against Arsenal in their last Premier League outing is likely to be a cause of concern for Pep Guardiola, with his side once again looking extremely poor from a defensive standpoint.

Newcastle

There are plenty of things to be excited about at St. James’ Park, however, with the Magpies booking their place at Wembley with a 2-0 victory in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final against Arsenal last week.

Eddie Howe’s side progressed to the FA Cup fifth round with a 3-2 win against Birmingham City last time out, and they have picked up the fourth-highest number of points in the Premier League over the last 10 games.

Man City vs Newcastle head-to-head

Given their rise since the Sheikh Mansour takeover in 2008, City now have a positive record against Newcastle, and they are undefeated in their last 11 Premier League encounters against Saturday’s visitors, winning eight times.

Guardiola’s side were unable to prevail in the reverse fixture earlier this season, however, with the two sides having to settle for a 1-1 draw at St. James’ Park back in September.