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Manchester City team news: Predicted Man City line up vs Newcastle – Star trio benched?
MANCHESTER CITY face Newcastle on Saturday – but a trio of superstars could be forced to watch from the bench.
Pep Guardiola says 'real season' starts after international break
Pep Guardiola faces some tough decisions ahead of Manchester City's clash with Newcastle at the Etihad on Saturday evening.
The Spanish boss has a wealth of options at his dispense and must work hard to keep his mega-money stars happy, while also grinding out big results.
City could only manage a draw against Wolves last weekend after adopting a 4-3-3 formation, and Guardiola could be set to shuffle his pack once again.
The reigning champions demolished Huddersfield 6-1 during their last home game using a 3-5-2 set-up and could be set for a return to that.
A shift in formation would lead to Gabriel Jesus partnering Sergio Aguero up front in attack, but less room for other attacking stars to join in the action.
Riyad Mahrez, Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling could all be forced onto the bench if Guardiola does opt for a return to the 3-5-2.
Record signing Mahrez has showed flashes of top quality already in a Manchester City shirt, but he could be disappointed not to start more often.
Raheem Sterling has seen the most game time of the trio, while Leroy Sane may feel frustrated after failing to start any of the three opening games.
Bernardo Silva could be deployed as a right wing-back, with Benjamin Mendy operating effectively on the left flank so far this season.
The Frenchman has racked up four assists already and will be keen to lock down the left-back slot as his own for the rest of the season and beyond.
Aymeric Laporte and John Stones have impressed at the back, and they could partner Vincent Kompany in defence if City deploy 3-5-2.
Take a look through the images below to reveal our predicted Manchester City line-up to face Newcastle.