Man City predicted lineup vs Newcastle - Premier League

The mental vulnerability permeating through a once infallible Manchester City team meant it took one shoddy Ederson kick to spark another collapse midweek.

In the blink of an eye, a 2-1 advantage became a stunning 3-2 deficit as Real Madrid took full control of their Champions League play-off tie.

Things are no better in the Premier League, with a fifth consecutive title off the agenda after some indifferent form to say the least. A top-four finish is still very much in the crosshairs, though, making Saturday's game with sixth-placed Newcastle hugely significant.

Here's how Pep Guardiola could line his side up, with one eye no doubt on the return leg with Real Madrid.

Man City predicted lineup vs Newcastle (4-1-4-1)

GK: Ederson - The Brazilian was good for 85 minutes on Tuesday night but played a major role in City's late collapse. He'll be expected to start in Madrid, so Guardiola may need a good performance here to restore some confidence.

RB: Rico Lewis - Manuel Akanji's injury woes are likely to hand Rico Lewis, who was sold short by Mateo Kovacic in midweek, the starting gig at right-back.

CB: Ruben Dias - City's leading man at the back turned Italian after Jude Bellingham's late winner, seemingly left aghast by another capitulation.

CB: Nathan Ake - Ake's minutes are being managed, lasting only an hour in the week, but we could see the Dutchman retain his place this weekend and get another hour under his belt.

LB: Josko Gvardiol - Gvardiol was majestic in the lead-up to Erling Haaland's first-ever goal against Real Madrid, and was one of City's standouts on the night.

DM: John Stones - Stones looked at ease at the base of midfield against Madrid, and we could see the Englishman start in the middle of the park on Saturday. Newcastle's pressing will put Barnsley's answer to Franz Beckenbauer to the test.

RM: Savinho - The live wire Brazilian has been a bright spark this season, especially in recent weeks. The only thing missing from Savinho's game is more goals.

CM: Phil Foden - Foden played much of Tuesday's first leg as a result of Jack Grealish's injury, and will likely drift into a central position against the Magpies.

CM: Ilkay Gundogan - With age catching up with Kevin De Bruyne's legs, the Belgian, for all his class, may be sat down in favour of a Gundogan return.

LM: Omar Marmoush - With Grealish likely out and Jeremy Doku yet to feature since returning from injury, Marmoush is in line for another Premier League start.

ST: Erling Haaland - Haaland was powerless as City contrived to surrender a position of strength last time out, with his two goals putting the perennial champions in front. The striker could face up against a depleted Newcastle defence on Saturday.

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