Man City vs Newcastle United: Match Preview, Latest Team News and How to Watch | OneFootball

Man City vs Newcastle Preview, Title Race Pressure Builds at Etihad

Manchester City return to Premier League action this weekend knowing the margin for error has narrowed once again. With the title race intensifying, every fixture now carries added consequence, and Newcastle’s visit to the Etihad Stadium represents another defining moment in the run in.

City’s renewed belief stems from Arsenal’s recent stumble. Pep Guardiola’s side watched their rivals drop points against Wolves, extending a run that has delivered only two wins in seven matches. That sequence has shifted momentum, even if the table still shows City trailing by five points.

Crucially, Man City hold a game in hand, scheduled against Crystal Palace, and must still host Arsenal before the campaign concludes. Opportunity remains, but it demands near perfection.

Kick Off Details and Broadcast Information

The fixture is set for an 8pm GMT kick off on Saturday, February 21, 2026, under the lights at the Etihad Stadium.

Supporters in the UK can watch live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Ultimate, while subscribers can stream via the Discovery+ app and website. 

Injury Concerns Shape Selection Plans

Fitness doubts hover over several key Man City figures. Erling Haaland missed the squad against Salford after sustaining a knock versus Fulham, placing his availability in question. Jeremy Doku is another concern due to a calf issue, while Savinho remains sidelined with a quad problem.

Defensively and in midfield, Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic are confirmed absentees. Max Alleyne’s status is uncertain after he was forced off in the same Salford fixture.

Newcastle travel south dealing with setbacks of their own. Bruno Guimaraes faces around two months out through injury, a significant blow to Eddie Howe’s midfield structure. Lewis Miley is pushing for a return, offering some relief.

Yoane Wissa picked up a knock in training but is expected to be fit, and Sven Botman could re enter contention after missing the FA Cup win over Aston Villa.

Photo: IMAGO

Recent Meetings and Tactical Outlook

This will be the fourth meeting between Man City and Newcastle this season, and their second encounter this month. Previous clashes have demonstrated Newcastle’s ability to disrupt elite sides, including taking points off Guardiola’s men earlier in the campaign.

However, results since the turn of the year have tilted City’s way. Squad depth, control of possession, and home advantage continue to underpin their superiority in this fixture.

Newcastle’s midfield pairing of Joelinton and Sandro Tonali possesses the physicality to compete, yet Guimaraes’ absence reduces their progression through central areas. Questions controversial remain around defensive resilience and attacking output.

If Haaland is fit enough to start, City’s cutting edge increases significantly. In matches defined by narrow margins, his presence inside the penalty area often proves decisive.

Score Prediction

Given the stakes and Newcastle’s injury list, this shapes as a tense, tactical contest rather than a goal fest.

Prediction: Man City 2-1 Newcastle