Manchester City, the only team among the top four playing this weekend, faces a challenging match against Newcastle United on Saturday. A win would elevate them above Aston Villa to second in the Premier League standings. City, having lost at St James’ Park earlier this season in the Carabao Cup, will need to overcome that defeat.

Following a subpar performance in late November and early December, the world champions have bounced back with seven victories in their last eight matches, bolstered by the return of key players from injuries.

Kevin De Bruyne, back from injury, played for 30 minutes without issues in the FA Cup match against Huddersfield Town last weekend. His gradual reintroduction to the team will continue, as Pep Guardiola has ruled out starting him in the upcoming Newcastle game.

Jeremy Doku, another player returning from injury, scored in the recent match against Huddersfield. However, he might not start the next game to prevent further injury.

Erling Haaland, sidelined with a foot injury, has resumed training with the first team. Guardiola will likely discuss Haaland’s availability in his Friday media briefing. The 23-year-old striker, absent since the loss to Aston Villa, aims to contribute to City’s push for the top spot in the table.

John Stones will miss the Newcastle match due to an ankle injury from the Everton game. 

City also hopes Manuel Akanji’s recent injury isn’t serious. Bernardo Silva and Kalvin Phillips, who missed the Huddersfield game due to illness, may return to the squad this weekend.