Newcastle United Vs Manchester City: Rodri Absent, Isak Expected To Appear

Newcastle United hopes striker Alexander Isak can appear against Manchester City. (X/@NUFC)

JAKARTA - Manchester City lost Rodri's flagship midfielder who suffered a ligament injury to his right knee. Meanwhile, Newcastle United hopes that striker Aleksander Isak can appear in the English Premier League match at St James' Park Stadium, Saturday, September 28, 2024 evening WIB.

Man City is entering a difficult period. Without Rodri being a tough test for Man City against Newcastle.

In the last match against Arsenal, Man City who played at home almost lost. Luckily there was John Stones who saved Man City after scoring a goal that equalized the score to 2-2 in injury time.

Man City also did not need to lose the throne in the standings because they could still pocket the 13th point. Win one point with Liverpool and Aston Villa.

Apart from being close to losing, Man City suffered heavy losses as Rodri suffered an injury in the match. The knee injury of the Spanish national team midfielder is a serious one that has forced him out for a long period of time.

As a result, Man City often loses power while playing without Rodri. Of the 21 matches without the mainstay midfielder, they have lost seven times. This means that the percentage of defeats experienced by the Cityzens can reach 33%.

This makes Man City have to be vigilant because they lost Rodri during a crucial match against Newcastle. The center sector seems to be a problem for manager Pep Guardiola.

The reason is, midfielder Kevin De Bruyne also cannot be played. Meanwhile, defender Nathan Ake is still grappling with his hamstring injury.

Without a midfielder duo, Guardiola will rely on Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan. Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva, who occupies the position of attacking midfielder, will cover the front sector of Man City.

Meanwhile, Newcastle hopes to rise after losing 3-1 to Fulham at Craven Cottage. This was Newcastle's first defeat to put them stuck in sixth place with 10 points.

The match against Man City is a moment of revival of The Magpies. If they are able to get three points, Newcastle will immediately improve the rankings.

However, Eddie Howe's manager is not sure if he can field striker Aleksander Isak, who suffered a toe injury last week. When Isak recovers, he will play front with Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes.

"Alex is still recovering from a toe injury. He is still doubtful and has not undergone training. We immediately decided whether he could perform," Howe said.

While in the middle, there are trio Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali who are the strengths of The Toon Army. The battle in midfield will decide in the match. Behind, defender Kieran Trippier will lead the home defense.

Player Composition Forecast

Newcastle United (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Kelly; Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Tonali; Barnes, Isak, GordonManchester City (4-3-3): Ederson; Gvardiol, Dias, Stones, Lewis; Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, Gundogan; Doku, Haaland, Savinho