How Manchester City could line up against Newcastle United

Pep Guardiola will not take any risks on the fitness of star playmaker Kevin De Bruyne as Manchester City prepare to take on Newcastle United at St James' Park on Friday night.

The Belgium international was not considered for selection by Guardiola for last week's 2-1 loss to Chelsea as he is not fully over a muscle injury.

With City being confirmed as champions with three games to spare, and the Champions League final with Chelsea on the horizon, Guardiola will be smart with his team selection.

That could mean a number of changes to the side that started the league clash with the Blues on Saturday, with Phil Foden, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva in line for recalls.

Among those expected to make way is Sergio Aguero, who fluffed his Panenka attempt with City 1-0 up against Chelsea, which should pave the way for Gabriel Jesus to return.

However, Aguero has scored 15 goals in 14 Premier League appearances against Newcastle, averaging a goal every 61 minutes.

John Stones is another in contention to start after serving a three-game domestic suspension, likely meaning a place among the subs for Nathan Ake and Aymeric Laporte.

Indeed, Guardiola should revert to a back four here after experimenting with a different formation at home to Chelsea, possibly with an eye on that upcoming European showdown.

Man City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Zinchenko; Silva, Rodrigo, Gundogan; Mahrez, Jesus, Foden

> Click here to see how Newcastle could line up for this contest

Video prediction

Watch the Sports Mole Football Shorts prediction for this game below: