Manchester City are back in Premier League action this weekend and a tough test awaits them as they visit Newcastle United on Saturday teatime.

The Blues have started to hit their form just as many of their title rivals have slipped off the pace. Notably, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal appear to have imploded in the past few weeks and City know a win this weekend will move them three points clear of them.

Sadly, injuries have reared their heads again for Pep Guardiola as John Stones, Erling Haaland and Manu Akanji have all been ruled out. Jack Grealish is also a doubt after suffering with a virus this week.

With this in mind, MEN Sport has had a go at predicting how City will likely line-up at St James’ Park.

Goalkeeper – Ederson

No surprises here as Ederson returns between the sticks after Stefan Ortega’s run out last weekend. The Brazilian is by far the No.1 choice at the Etihad and will be picked, when fit, for Premier League outings.

Defenders – Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Ake

Akanji’s injury was a blow last weekend and makes the back line a lot more predictable for the clash in the North East. The only question remains at to who will play at left-back.

Both outcomes are plausible but our hunch is that Ake will deployed in a tried and tested left-sided role. Gvardiol’s experiment in this position is by no means over but due to the calibre of the opposition, Guardiola will be likely to stick with what worked so well last year.

Midfielders – Rodri, Mateo Kovacic, Phil Foden

Many of you could have guessed the midfield we have chosen for the game. Kevin De Bruyne’s return to the squad has been pleasing to see but the Belgian has already confirmed he does not expect to start.

When he does come back to the starting XI, De Bruyne will likely line-up in a double-pronged central midfield role with Foden who has been a standout performer recently. Matheus Nunes could also be given a start but Kovacic is more likely to partner the undroppable Rodri.

Forwards – Bernardo Silva, Julian Alvarez, Jeremy Doku

Bernardo missed the victory over the Terriers with an illness but all signs suggest he has recovered and is available to start. Haaland is out so Alvarez shall continue in his centre-forward role.

Meanwhile, Doku showed no ill effects on his cameo against Huddersfield and could be in line for a start this weekend.