Haaland eyeing return as Man City aim to close gap in title race at Newcastle

Pep Guardiola's side have won their last two games after a blip that saw them fall off the pace towards the end of last year.

City are now five points off the top of the table but they have a game in hand to their advantage, with a win here putting the pressure back on their rivals.

They face Eddie Howe's men who have lost five of their last six and their last three in a row with injuries decimating the Magpies squad.

Newcastle vs Man City: Leaky away from home

Man City have experienced more inconsistency than usual in the Premier League this season and it has stemmed from conceding goals.

The Citizens have conceded the first goal in six of their last eight away games, going on to lose three of those.

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And that has seen them fall off the pace set by Liverpool at the top of the table.

They have let a goal in first in their last two matches on the road but they have managed to turn the game around in both.

That resilience has seen them pick up crucial results and they will be aiming to do so again this time out should they concede early.

If they manage to come from behind again, City would become only the third team to do so in three straight away fixtures, joining Leeds and Tottenham in the record books.

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In their Premier League history, Manchester City have won more games (30), scored more goals (98) and kept more clean sheets (22) against Newcastle than they have against any other opponent.

Newcastle have won just one of their last 32 Premier League games against Manchester City (D5 L26), beating them 2-1 at St James' Park in January 2019.

Newcastle vs Man City: Team news

Erling Haaland could make his return to action for Man City at St James' Park.

The striker has been sidelined for a month with a foot injury but after returning to training, he is back in contention to feature.

Haaland may follow in the footsteps of Kevin de Bruyne and Jeremy Doku who made their comebacks in the FA Cup against Huddersfield.

They are expected to play a part this weekend but John Stones is out and Manuel Akanji is a doubt after picking up a knock.

As for Newcastle, they continue to operate with a limited squad due to major injury problems.

Joelinton is carrying a slight knock but is likely to be fit while Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, Callum Wilson and Joe Willock eye returns this month.

Nick Pope, Matt Targett, Elliot Anderson and Javier Manquillo remain sidelined long-term.

Newcastle beat Manchester City 1-0 at St. James' Park in the EFL Cup earlier this season - they've not beaten the Citizens twice in the same campaign since 1983-84.

Manchester City have scored in each of their last 30 Premier League games against Newcastle, the longest scoring streak one side has had against another in the competition's history. The last side to score in more consecutive top-flight games against an opponent was Chelsea against Newcastle (37 between 1933 and 1969).

Newcastle vs Manchester City: What has been said?

De Bruyne made his comeback against Huddersfield and his return will now provide a huge boost for City in their Premier League title challenge.

Even the City squad know how important it is to have their main creator back fit.

Phil Foden told the club's website: "Everyone was buzzing to have him back.

"If we're going to win anything, we need him at it. He's one of the best players in the world, no one can do what he does.

"You could see the stadium roaring when he came on and it just shows how big and important he is for us. To have him back on the field, it gives us a lift as well.

"I am delighted for him to come back and hopefully he remains injury free because we need him."

Phil Foden has had a hand in seven goals in his last 10 Premier League appearances (4 goals, 3 assists) for Manchester City. Since Christmas, Foden has created the most chances in open play in the Premier League of any player (9).

Newcastle have lost six of their last nine Premier League matches (W3), only one fewer than in their previous 44 games combined (W24 D13 L7). The Magpies are looking to avoid losing four consecutive league games for the first time since a run of five in January 2021.

Newcastle vs Manchester City: How to follow

This Premier League clash will take place on Saturday, January 13.

Kick-off at St. James' Park is scheduled for 5:30pm.

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The game will be broadcast live on TNT Sports.

talkSPORT and talkSPORT.com will keep you up to date with all the latest.