Riyad Mahrez is one of three players recalled to City’s starting XI against Newcastle United.

Team news

The Algerian winger, along with John Stones and Gabriel Jesus – Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and Vincent Kompany drop down to the bench.

CITY v NEWCASTLE: TV listings

TALKING POINTS: Aguero to continue his Newcastle scoring streak?

Starting XI:

Ederson, Walker, Stones, Laporte, Mendy, Fernandinho, D Silva (c), Sterling, Mahrez, G Jesus, Aguero

Subs: Muric, Kompany, Gundogan, Delph, Bernardo, Otamendi, Foden

Formation:

Pep Guardiola has already said he will not know for sure how Newcastle will approach this game until two minutes into the match.

Therefore, it’s likely he will have one or two formations to switch to as and when needed – but chances are he will base his initial plan on the visitors defending deep.

Last season, the Magpies played very defensively at St James’ Park and were beaten 1-0 – last Sunday they attempted to contain Chelsea at home and again narrowly lost 2-1.

Poor travellers in general, it’s unlikely Rafa Benitez will send his team out to play attacking football and, more probably, will try and catch the Blues on the counter-attack.

On paper, it looks like a 4-4-2, but that could easily be a 4-3-3, too!

Newcastle line-up:

Stats and facts

Sergio Aguero has scored 14 goals in 10 games against Newcastle United

City’s 21 games unbeaten against Newcastle is a Club record – the Blues have won 18 and drawn three against the Magpies

Raheem Sterling will make his 100th Premier League appearance for City this afternoon

David Silva remains one shy of his 50th Premier League goal

The last time...