How Man City should line up vs Newcastle in Premier League fixture

Kevin De Bruyne is back for Manchester City, but Pep Guardiola insists he will remain on the bench for the Premier League trip to Newcastle this weekend.

Newcastle are in inconsistent form and battling injuries to key players, but will pose City a threat after knocking them out of the Carabao Cup at St James' Park in September and holding them to an entertaining 3-3 draw at the start of last season.

De Bruyne made his long-awaited comeback last weekend against Huddersfield, but revealed afterwards that he expected to start on the bench against Newcastle as his recovery is managed, with Guardiola insisting that the Belgian will not be rushed back. Jeremy Doku also returned and could feature, while Erling Haaland will hope to be back after a month out.

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Bernardo Silva and Kalvin Phillips missed the FA Cup clash with illness but have since returned to training, while John Stones is the only other absentee with a muscle injury.

Read how our writers think City should line up below and use the interactive team selector to pick your best starting XI to take on Newcastle:

City's injuries mean that there is still not too much choice in this team. Ederson will return and then Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake should all play. None of those are too comfortable at right-back so Kyle Walker can come in.

Mateo Kovacic has earned another start in midfield alongside Rodri and Phil Foden and Jack Grealish's illness could bring a fresh starter. Oscar Bobb certainly impressed in the second half against Newcastle, although Jeremy Doku is tempting after a bright cameo and his