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Manchester City return to Premier League action with a trip to Newcastle United knowing a win will move them to within one point of leaders Arsenal.
Manchester City are back in Premier League action this weekend as the top flight returns following the final international break of the year. Pep Guardiola's side signed off for the pause with a stunning demolition of Liverpool at the Etihad which cut Arsenal's gap at the top of the table to four points.
City visit Newcastle on Saturday teatime with the chance to move within a point of the Gunners, who are not in action until Sunday. And the Blues have a near fully-fit squad to choose from with only long-term absentee Mateo Kovacic and the still sidelined Rodri unavailable.
City's international contingent have returned without any fresh issues and it could mean Guardiola names an unchanged starting line-up, such was the impressive nature of their victory over Liverpool last time out. Gianluigi Donnarumma will start in goal and Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol have emerged as City's first-choice centre back pairing. Nico O'Reilly, fresh from an England debut, has done precious little wrong and can keep specialist left back Rayan Ait-Nouri out of the side again, while Matheus Nunes can continue on the right.
In midfield, Nico Gonzalez has been impressive in the absence of Rodri and the experience, know-how and versatility of Bernardo Silva alongside him can allow Guardiola to continue with his narrow attacking trio of Phil Foden, Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku. Erling Haaland, who led Norway to a first World Cup in a generation during the international break, will spearhead the attack as he seeks to extend his sensational scoring record this season.
Guardiola has yet to name an unchanged XI this term and must be mindful of Tuesday's Champions League tie with Bayer Leverkusen but City's strong position in that competition could allow him to rotate in midweek. The Blues are unbeaten in Europe with three wins and a draw and victory over Leverkusen would leave them on the cusp of confirming a spot in the top eight.
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