St. James’ Park braces for a major test this Saturday, November 22, 2025, as a struggling Newcastle United hosts title-chasing Manchester City in one of the Premier League weekend’s standout fixtures. Pep Guardiola’s side arrives in the northeast full of confidence after a commanding 3-0 win over Liverpool, maintaining their formidable league rhythm. Newcastle, meanwhile, are desperate to halt a worrying slide in league form, despite their strong record at their home ground.
Team News and Key Absences
Manchester City travel north without influential midfielder Rodri, who is sidelined by a hamstring issue, and Mateo Kovacic, who continues to recover from ankle and heel problems. Despite these absences, City remain close to full strength, with depth options like Nico González or Tijjani Reijnders ready to step into the base of midfield alongside Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva. For Newcastle, manager Eddie Howe must cope without suspended defender Dan Burn, adding to a list of absentees that includes Yoane Wissa and Will Osula. Howe is expected to stick with a familiar setup featuring Pope in goal, a back line of Trippier, Schär, Botman, and Targett, a midfield trio of Longstaff, Guimarães, and Willock, and a front line led by Almirón, Isak, and the in-form Anthony Gordon.
Form and Tactical Outlook
Manchester City enter the contest with formidable momentum, boasting 11 wins from their last 14 matches and an unbeaten run stretching over 13 of those. Their attacking output remains elite at 2.36 goals per game, while their defensive record is equally impressive, conceding just 0.57 on average. Newcastle’s league form tells a contrasting story, with back-to-back defeats leaving them in 14th place. However, their home performances continue to inspire confidence, with five straight wins at St. James’ Park underlining the stadium’s fortress-like reputation. The match promises a compelling tactical contrast: City’s controlled possession and structured buildup will face off against Newcastle’s aggressive pressing and fast breaks. City’s historical dominance in this fixture is notable; they are unbeaten in their last 12 Premier League meetings with Newcastle, averaging three goals per game in that run.
Key Players and Prediction
Erling Haaland leads the headlines once again, closing in on his 100th Premier League goal. The Norwegian striker has scored an astonishing 30 goals in his last 18 appearances for club and country and will be central to City’s attacking threat. For Newcastle, Alexander Isak’s pace and movement could test City on the counter, while Anthony Gordon’s form makes him one of Howe’s most potent weapons in transition. Bookmakers and analysts lean toward a Manchester City victory, with predicted scorelines ranging from a tight 2–1 away win to a 1–1 draw should Newcastle’s home strength prevail. City are rated around a 50% chance to take all three points, reflecting their superior form and squad depth. A hard-fought contest is expected, with City’s rhythm and depth potentially proving decisive in a match where goals appear highly likely.
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