Newcastle v Manchester City LIVE: Team news and line-ups as Alexander Isak ruled out with injury

Rodri has been ruled out for the remainder of the season by Pep Guardiola after the Manchester City confirmed the Spanish midfielder has successfully undergone surgery.

Rodri suffered ACL and meniscus damage to his knee in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal.

“He had surgery this morning,” Guardiola said. “ACL and some meniscus. So, next season he will be here. This season is over [for him].”

Pep Guardiola also makes three changes, with one forced on him after that injury to Rodri. The Spaniard is replaced by Mateo Kovacic.

Both Jeremy Doku and Savio drop out of the attack, with Bernardo Silva moving to right-wing and Jack Grealish coming in on the left. Rico Lewis also comes into midfield.

Eddie Howe has made three changes to the Newcastle side that lost 3-1 to Fulham last week.

In defence, Lewis Hall replaces Lloyd Kelly at left-back. Alexander Isak drops out of the squad due to injury, and Sandro Tonali comes in to midfield. Joe Willock is replaced by Jacob Murphy too.

Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Hall, Joelinton, Guimaraes, Murphy, Tonali, Gordon, Barnes.

Subs: Dubravka, Krafth, Osula, Livramento, Almiron, Kelly, Willock, Longstaff, Murphy

Manchester City XI: Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Lewis, Kovacic, Gundogan, Bernardo, Grealish, Haaland

Subs: Ortega, Carson, Stones, Doku, Savinho, Nunes, Foden, McAtee

Here’s a recap of the early team news – the line-ups will come out at around 11.15am.

Newcastle have no new injury concerns from the loss to Fulham last week, and with their Carabao Cup match against Wimbledon being postponed due to rain, the Magpies missed picking up any injuries in that competition too.

For City, the big injury news is that Rodri has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering an ACL injury against Arsenal.

In addition, Pep Guardiola will be without Nathan Ake until after the October international break, while Kevin de Bruyne remains a doubt.

Despite the injury to Rodri, Newcalte’s mixed form gives City an advantage before the game even starts. City should have the quality to get yet another away win, but expect the Magpies to raise their performance level to make it a close encounter. 

Newcastle 1-2 Manchester City.

Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Hall; Joelinton, Guimaraes, Murphy; Gordon, Isak, Barnes.

Man City XI: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Stones, Gvardiol; Silva, Kovacic, Gundogan; Savio, Haaland, Foden.

For City, the big injury news is that Rodri could be ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering an ACL injury against Arsenal.

In addition, Pep Guardiola will be without Nathan Ake until after the October international break, while Kevin de Bruyne remains a doubt.

Newcastle have no new injury concerns from the loss to Fulham last week, and with their Carabao Cup match against Wimbledon being postponed due to rain, the Magpies missed picking up any injuries in that competition too.

Eddie Howe will of course pick the strongest side possible against City, though he may be struggling to figure out exactly which players that side consists of after unconvincing displays against Fulham and Wolves.

Lloyd Kelly and Joe Willock were both replaced at half-time in the Magpies’ loss last week, so Lewis Hall and Jacob Murphy could expect to start in their places. Alternatively, Sandro Tonali could come in to make his first league start since the end of his betting ban.

The front line of Barnes, Isak and Gordon seem to have cemented their places in the starting line-up, as have Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton in midfield.

When is Newcastle vs Manchester City?

The match will kick off at 12:30pm BST on Saturday, 28 September, at St. James’ Park in Newcastle.

The match will be shown live on TNT Sports 1, with the build-up starting from 11am. Subscribers can also watch online or via the discovery+ app.