Manchester City left back Benjamin Mendy remains indefinitely suspended, due to the multiple serious criminal charges that he’s currently facing. His trial began on Monday, as the 28-year-old Frenchman is accused of eight counts of rape, one of attempted rape and one of sexual assault.
Many of the details that have emerged from the trial thus far, are quite harrowing, and it’s quite likely that Mendy never plays football again.
Manchester City at Newcastle United FYIs
Kick: 3pm Saturday, Aug 21, 4:30, St. James’ Park
MCFC Starting XI Prediction: go here
After Extra Time Podcast: Spotify Apple
Table Place: Man City- 1st, 6pts, +6 GD Newcastle 5th, 4pts, +2 GD
Google Result Probability: Manchester City win 70% Draw 18% Newcastle win 12%
Honestly, returning to the pitch is probably the least of his worries right now.
City can’t terminate his deal until he’s actually convicted of a crime, and Mendy still maintains his innocence. He signed a six-year deal with the club in 2017, so next year his contract will have run its course.
Ok, on to the next match, which sees City visiting Newcastle, a side that is off to a nice start this season. Apparently, the new ultra-wealthy Saudi owners are starting to see some ROI already.
Man City Team News
Summer signing Kalvin Phillips (undisclosed) and young phenom Cole Palmer (foot) are doubts for this one.
Aymeric Laporte (still recovering from a long-term knee injury) is out. There are no other fitness concerns for Pep Guardiola at this time, so he’ll select a very strong team here.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Bank (TheSportsBank.Net) and author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” as well as “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He has regularly appeared in WGN, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune, and he co-hosts the After Extra Time podcast, part of Edge of the Crowd Network. Follow him and the website on Twitter and Instagram.