Kyle Walker, John Stones, Benjamin Mendy, David Silva and Riyad Mahrez all return, while Nicolas Otamendi, Angelino, Joao Cancelo, Rodri and Bernardo all make way.
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Team:
Ederson, Walker, Stones, Fernandinho, Mendy, Gundogan, De Bruyne, D Silva, Mahrez, Sterling, Jesus
Subs: Bravo, Angelino, Rodrigo, Bernardo, Cancelo, Otamendi, Foden
Formation: 4-3-3
City have speed and power down the flanks in the shape of Walker and Mendy, with Fernandinho and Stones the preferred central defensive partnership.
Gundogan assumes the anchor role behind Silva and De Bruyne, while there is further threat from the wings in the shape of Raheem Sterling and Mahrez.
Gabriel Jesus will lead the line.
Same again, Blues?
City’s 2-1 defeat at St James’ Park last season looked to have nailed a hammer in our title hopes.
It was a shock loss and, for many pundits, one defeat too many as Pep Guardiola’s side chased Liverpool.
But what followed was extraordinary.
City went on an incredible run of 14 successive Premier League wins and gradually wore down Liverpool, gnawing away at their lead until – with two games remaining – the Blues won the game in hand they had, beat Leicester and climbed to the summit of the table.
Of course, the league was secured against Brighton a few days later.
Today, City find themselves nine points adrift of Liverpool – so the question is, can history repeat itself?
There are many more games left after this match and winning them all would be impossible for any side, but psychologically, walking out at St James’ Park this afternoon could spark something special for the Blues.
But the result would need to be a victory.
Newcastle XI:
Dubravka, Manquillo, Fernandez, Clark, Dummett, Willems, Shelvey, Hayden, Almirón, Saint-Maximin, Joelinton
Substitutes: Schär, Gayle, Krafth, Darlow, Atsu, S Longstaff, M Longstaff
Stats and facts
Newcastle’s 2-1 home win over the Blues last season ended a 22-match winless run against City for the Magpies – they haven’t enjoyed successive wins against City since 2003.
The Magpie’s’ home form has improved under Steve Bruce and the hosts are unbeaten in their last five matches at St James’ Park.
With four goals conceded, Newcastle also have the second meanest home defensive record (after Leicester City).
The Blues will look to end a three-game run of conceding the first goal this afternoon.
City have scored in 17 successive Premier League away games - our third longest streak in the division.
City are the Premier League’s top scorers this season with 37 goals - and have only failed to score in one of our last 35 league fixtures.
