Howe's Dilemma: Defensive or Attacking Strategy Against City?
Newcastle United visits Manchester City in a crucial Premier League clash. Can Eddie Howe's side overcome City's home dominance?
Newcastle's decision to stick with their usual 4-3-3 formation might backfire against Manchester City...
Newcastle might be considering a formation change against Manchester City, given their recent struggles and the demanding schedule. They just traveled 5,000 miles for the Champions League match against Qarabag, and now they're facing City at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City is on a roll, having recently beaten Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, and a win here could put them just two points behind Arsenal. Some suggest Newcastle switch to a 3-5-2 formation, with Lewis Hall and Kieran Trippier as wing-backs, to provide more width and balance. This could help counter City's attacking prowess, led by Erling Haaland.
Manchester City's Unbeaten Streak Continues
Pep Guardiola's team is on a roll, unbeaten in their last four league games, and they're looking to extend this streak against Newcastle United today.
Newcastle's Resurgence
The Magpies ended their four-match winless streak with a 2-1 win over Tottenham, and they're hoping to build on this momentum. However, their inconsistent form is a concern, having scored and conceded 37 goals in 26 Premier League games this season.
Newcastle's got an uphill battle for that top-five spot, eight points behind Chelsea. They're looking to replicate their November win over City at St. James' Park, where they got the better of Pep's side.
Manchester City's Home Dominance
City have won 16 consecutive home games against Newcastle, and their current form is looking strong with 10 wins, 2 draws, and just 1 loss in their home league fixtures this season.
Newcastle's Road Struggles
Newcastle, on the other hand, has struggled on the road, earning just 13 points from 39 available and winning only one league game in their last five. Their record at the Etihad Stadium is particularly concerning.
Recent Head-to-Head Results
In their last six meetings, Manchester City has won four, drawn one, and lost one. Newcastle's only win in this period was a 2-1 victory at St. James' Park in November 2025.
City are unbeaten in their last 21 Premier League home games against the Magpies, and have won all of the last 16, which is the second-longest such run in English football history.
Matchday minus one 🎥 pic.twitter.com/kNzjFplD9W
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) February 20, 2026
With 20 matches between the teams played at Saturday's venue, it's the most a visiting team has played anywhere without ever winning in Premier League history.
Newcastle's Historic Opportunity
Woltemade and Haaland are the key players to watch, but Newcastle's real goal is to complete their first league double over Manchester City since 1983/84 and their first in the top-flight since 1955/56.
Past Heroics
Harvey Barnes was the hero in the November game, scoring both goals, but no Newcastle player has scored home and away against City in the same campaign since Alan Shearer's feat in 2004/05.
Newcastle United's aerial threat, led by 6ft 6in Nick Woltemade, could give Manchester City's defense a headache, especially with eight headed goals being the fourth most in the division. Woltemade is expected to win most aerial battles in the box, and Newcastle's tactic of delivering open play crosses into the box has been effective, with the German marksman already scoring seven goals this season.
The Magpies have a clear pattern of play, and City will need to be prepared to deal with it. Newcastle's players have also shown a knack for hitting the woodwork, doing so 14 times this season.
Injury Concerns for Newcastle
Bruno Guimaraes, who has nine goals this season, won't be playing in this match due to a hamstring injury, expected to keep him out for around eight weeks. Emil Krafth, Fabian Schar, and Tino Livramento are also definitely out. Meanwhile, Yoane Wissa, Sven Botman, and Lewis Miley are uncertain, with late fitness tests pending.
Impact on Newcastle's Squad
This is a significant blow for Newcastle, given Guimaraes' importance to the team. Eddie Howe will have to rely on other players to step up in his absence. With several key players missing, the Magpies' lineup is uncertain ahead of the match against Manchester City.
Much is likely to be expected of Anthony Gordon too, after his incredible four-goal midweek salvo, which saw him set a number of records in a superb individual performance.
Erling Haaland could do with some accuracy from City's wide men too, given that with 22 goals - 11 of which have been the opening goal in a game - no other player has more in the league in 2025/26.
Injury Concerns and Late Game Opportunities
Erling Haaland, Savinho, and Max Alleyne are facing late fitness tests to ensure their participation in the game. Meanwhile, Jeremy Doku, Josko Gvardiol, and Mateo Kovacic are definitely out for Manchester City. Interestingly, Newcastle hasn't conceded a goal in the opening quarter-hour of league matches this season, which could impact City's strategy.
Pep Guardiola's Squad and Tactics
Pep Guardiola's team is approaching full strength, with Savinho and Erling Haaland available for selection. The Citizens have a strong home record and will look to exploit Newcastle's vulnerability in the final quarter-hour.
Newcastle's Late-Match Vulnerability
Newcastle's weakness in the final 15 minutes is a concern, having conceded 14 goals in that period, making them the Premier League's worst team during that time.
City's Late-Game Opportunity
Manchester City's goalscoring is consistent throughout games, and they might capitalize on Newcastle's fatigue, especially given the Magpies' demanding midweek schedule.
Howe's Defensive Gamble
Eddie Howe might consider a more defensive setup, which would go against his usual attacking style, but could be the best strategy given Manchester City's strength and Newcastle's tough schedule.
A meeting with the Magpies! 🔜
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 20, 2026
🤝 #AsahiSuperDry pic.twitter.com/iXBFVm4kfO
Newcastle's decision to stick with their usual 4-3-3 formation might backfire against Manchester City, who are likely to capitalize on this and dominate the game. City's desperation for points, given their recent struggles, could lead to them running riot at the Etihad Stadium.
With only 11 games left, Newcastle's chances of securing a European spot are dwindling, and a loss here could be a significant blow to their ambitions.
Would a formation change be enough to give Newcastle an edge, or will City's firepower be too much?
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