Manchester City have no time to dwell on their heartbreaking 2–3 defeat to Real Madrid because the defending English champions must now prepare to face Newcastle United.
Manchester City had a 2–1 lead over Real Madrid in the Champions League, but like so many times this season, the Citizens bottled the game in the final 10 minutes. Pep Guardiola's men must quickly turn the page, though, because their schedule does not get any easier. In fact, Newcastle United are headed to the Etihad.
When the two sides clashed at St. James' Park back in September, they shared the points in a 1–1 draw. The match was only the second time City dropped points in the first two months of their Premier League title defense before their season took a turn for the worse. Although they are now out of the title race, they are still fighting for a top four finish.
Not only did City suffer a defeat in the first leg of their Champions League knockout phase playoff tie, but they also lost Manuel Akanji and Jack Grealish to injury. The defender will undergo surgery and miss at least two months. Grealish's injury is not as serious, but he is still a doubt for Saturday's fixture. Nico González remains a doubt as well.
Here's how Manchester City could lineup vs. Newcastle United on Saturday, Feb. 15.
