Manchester City routed Huddersfield Town, in the FA Cup third round, over the weekend, but the win included one sour note. Defender Manuel Akanji had to be subbed off after 17 minutes, having sustained a very strong challenge from Alex Matos, the young player on loan from Chelsea.
We await an update from manager Pep Guardiola about the severity of the injury, and with it, the potential timetable for return.
Newcastle United vs Manchester City FYIs
Kickoff: Sat. Jan. 13, 5:30pm, St. James Park
City Preview Content: Starting XI Prediction Team News
Newcastle Preview Content: Starting XI Prediction Team News
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
PL Form, Standings: Man City 3rd, 40 pts, WWDWL Newcastle 9th, 29 pts, LLLWL
FA Cup 4th Round Draws: go here
Google Result Probability: Man City 62% Draw 21% Newcastle 17%
Man City Team News
Let’s put it this way- Akanji is a doubt for the trip to Newcastle. Elsewhere midfielders Bernardo Silva and Kalvin Phillips both missed out on the win over the Terriers due to an unspecified illness. Perhaps we’ll learn more about their statuses come Friday, but as now, both should be available for selection.
With Phillips of course, the bigger news is where does he move this January? He is widely expected this leave this winter transfer window.
Meanwhile John Stones remains out indefinitely as we save our best injury update for last. Erling Haaland is back training and nearing a return. However, this match might come too soon for the supreme scoring sensation to feature. Or he could cameo off the bench here.
“Erling is a little better, his bone, so we need to be careful,” Pep Guardiola said of the Norwegian’s recovery from a foot injury.
“[He’s had] two or three sessions and feels good. Hopefully, [he can play soon but], I don’t know for Sunday or for Newcastle.’
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now, while writing for the International Baseball Writers Association of America. You can follow the website on Twitter.