Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
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Kick-off: 11:00 PM EAT (20:00 GMT)
With the title race tightening and revenge on the agenda, this fixture promises intensity, tactical intrigue and high stakes.
Match Preview
Manchester City Preview
Manchester City go into this battle squarely in the quest to win another Premier League title under Pep Guardiola. Taking advantage of a setback that Arsenal have suffered in the recent days, City have cut the gap at the top to only five points and have a game in hand, which may still dramatically turn the title race.
The Citizens come in on a high note as they have won four matches in all competitions. Their last appearance was a managed 2-0 FA cup triumph over Salford City after defeating Liverpool (3-1) and Fulham (3-0) emphatically in the league.
On the defensive side, the City have been especially fine, allowing only eight goals in their 12 recent JP matches with half a dozen clean sheets in the same stretch - the sturdyest defense record in the block in that interval.
Their confidence is only enhanced by a reunion with the Etihad. City have won 16 consecutive home league matches with Newcastle, and have not lost a top-flight home match with the Magpies in the last 21.
Newcastle United Overview
This journey is a test of character to Eddie Howe and his Newcastle team. The Magpies are ranked 10th in the table and have had trouble finding consistency in 2026 but come in with a new sense of belief after three straight away competition wins.
Those victories include:
Premier League victory 2-1 at Tottenham.
FA Cup comeback against Aston Villa 3-1.
Anthony Gordon inspired a beautiful 6-1 win in the Champions League against Qarabag FK by scoring four goals in the first half.
Nevertheless, the league performance of Newcastle in away matches with leading teams is worrying. They have not won a league match against top-half opposition in an away game since 10 away games and they had not won a Premier League match played at the Etihad Stadium since its inception.
Head-to-Head Record
Total matches: Manchester city wins 81 goals to 74 wins of Newcastle.
Reverse game: Newcastle won 2-1 at St James’ Park (November 2025)
At the Etihad:
- Newcastle have not won in 20 Premier League matches as a visitor (D2 L18).
- City have won the past 16 home league matches without giving goals.
- City also have a psychological momentum following the destruction of Newcastle 4-1 over two legs in a semi final of the Carabao cup earlier this month.
Manchester City Team News
City also possesses some injury issues although they are generally solid:
Unavailable:
- Josko Gvardiol (tibial fracture)
- Mateo Kovacic (ankle/heel)
Doubts:
Jeremy Doku (calf)
Savinho (thigh)
Boost:
Ruben Dias is in excellent condition and is likely to be starting.
Erling Haaland did not play the FA Cup game due to a minor injury, but he is likely to play in the line.
Phil Foden pursues a personal goal, having participated in 99 goals of the Premier League (68 goals, 31 assists).
Newcastle United Team News
Newcastle are in a great midfield and defensive injury crisis:
Ruled out:
Bruno Guimarães (hamstring, out until April)
Tino Livramento (thigh)
Fabian Schär (ankle surgery)
Lewis Miley (thigh)
Yoane Wissa (knock)
Doubts:
Sven Botman (back issue)
Joelinton is back after missing out for a while and may play along with Sandro Tonali with Anthony Gordon in the sensational form and may remain the central man following his triumph at the champions league.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester City (4-2-3-1)
Donnarumma;
Nunes, Dias, Guehi, Aït-Nouri;
Rodri, O’Reilly;
Bernardo Silva, Cherki;
Semenyo, Haaland
Newcastle United (4-2-3-1)
Pope;
Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall;
Joelinton, Tonali;
Murphy, Woltemade, Barnes;
Gordon
Score Prediction:
Manchester City 3–1 Newcastle United
