Man City Starting XI vs Newcastle United: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Manchester City Boost as Haaland Returns for Newcastle United Clash

Manchester City have received a timely lift ahead of their Premier League meeting with Newcastle United, with Erling Haaland back in contention after shaking off a recent knock. The Norwegian striker missed the squad that faced Salford following an issue sustained against Fulham, yet his return to training has restored belief within Pep Guardiola’s ranks.

Photo: IMAGO

Guardiola has confirmed that his leading forward is once again available, a development that sharpens the focus on a fixture carrying significance in the title race. Manchester City’s attacking rhythm has occasionally lacked its usual incision in Haaland’s absence, and his presence alone alters defensive calculations for Newcastle United.

Selection Headache for Guardiola

Savinho is also poised to return after a quad injury, though Jeremy Doku continues to manage a calf problem. It would be a surprise to see immediate recalls from the outset, particularly with Rayan Cherki, Antoine Semenyo, Tijjani Reijnders and Phil Foden offering depth and variation in the final third.

At the back, Max Alleyne may feature after being forced off in the FA Cup win over Salford. However, Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic remain sidelined. Abdukodir Khusanov’s full 90 minutes last time out could allow Matheus Nunes to operate at right back once more.

Predicted Line Up and Match Details

Nico O’Reilly, buoyed by his goal against Fulham, is expected to continue in midfield alongside Rodri.

Manchester City predicted XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Guehi, Dias, Ait Nouri, Bernardo, Rodri, O’Reilly, Cherki, Haaland, SemenyoInjured: Kovacic, Gvardiol, Doku

Kick off is scheduled for 8pm on Saturday, February 21, 2026, as Manchester City seek another statement result against Newcastle United.