Newcastle United return to Premier League action this weekend with another huge test against Manchester City, a fixture that always delivers intensity, drama and a reminder of the gap the Magpies are trying to close.
The international break is now finished, and from this point until March, the schedule becomes relentless. By then, Newcastle could well be defending their Carabao Cup title, pushing for European qualification and showing signs of the progress Eddie Howe has been working tirelessly to build. But to make any of that possible, improvement has to start immediately.
The team sit lower in the table than anyone expected, and their away form continues to hurt them. At St James’ Park, they still look strong and confident, and this weekend offers a real chance to restore belief.
Howe’s fifth chapter on Tyneside needs a spark, and beating Manchester City would be the perfect way to show resilience and ambition.
Below is a look at Newcastle’s recent meetings with Manchester City, which makes it clear how big of a challenge this fixture has become.
| Season | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 24/25 | Premier League (A) | 4-0 loss |
| 24/25 | Premier League (H) | 1-1 draw |
| 23/24 | FA Cup | 2-0 loss |
| 23/24 | Premier League (H) | 3-2 loss |
| 23/24 | Carabao Cup (H) | 1-0 win |
| 23/24 | Premier League (A) | 1-0 loss |
Manchester City have had Newcastle’s number for years, losing just once in 15 meetings across all competitions. The Magpies have only celebrated one Premier League win over City since the 2005/06 season.
That history shows exactly how big this challenge is, and it also explains why St James’ Park will be a cauldron of noise from the first whistle. The supporters know their team need every ounce of energy, especially with so many players coming back from injury.
Newcastle’s squad has several question marks heading into the weekend. Joelinton suffered a painful leg injury before the break, and while he has not been ruled out completely, Howe must be extremely cautious.
Playing the Brazilian without full fitness could do more harm than good. Sandro Tonali is ready, Nick Pope has completed his concussion recovery, and there is hope Anthony Gordon might still be available.
However, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento may not be ready to start after recently returning from their own setbacks. Yoane Wissa is also still working his way back from the knee injury he picked up on international duty with DR Congo, meaning his debut will have to wait.
City will try to take control of the midfield from the beginning, but Howe knows that Tonali and Bruno Guimarães can match that intensity if they play with confidence.
Still, without Joelinton’s physicality, someone else needs to step up and bring energy, drive and quality on the ball. And Howe may already have the perfect answer in Lewis Miley.
The young midfielder has gone through a difficult start to the campaign, and some supporters questioned whether he was ready for the responsibility placed on him.
But over the last couple of months, he has grown with every match. His performances against Benfica and Fulham were calm, controlled and full of maturity. After the Benfica game, journalist Liam Kennedy even described his display as a “coming-of-age performance,” praising the way he handled the number six role with intelligence and composure.
Miley is still only 19 years old, and while he is far from the finished product, there is something undeniably special about him. His blend of smooth passing, awareness and defensive understanding makes him perfect for Howe’s system.
One Magpies podcaster even went as far as calling him Howe’s “own Phil Foden,” because of the talent he carries and the way he has quietly become one of the most exciting young midfielders at the club.
This match could be the moment where he announces himself on the biggest stage. If Joelinton is unable to start or only fit enough for the bench, Miley offers a completely different profile.
He can dictate the tempo from deeper areas while giving Bruno and Tonali the freedom to push forward and play their natural game. His presence can help Newcastle control transitions, which is vital against a Manchester City side that thrive on punishing mistakes.
Miley already has 58 senior appearances for Newcastle despite still being a teenager, with three goals and five assists to his name. He doesn’t yet have the reputation or star power of Phil Foden, but he does possess the same kind of calmness and creativity that could allow him to grow into a major figure in the coming years.
And in a game where Foden will almost certainly be one of City’s biggest threats, Miley has a chance to stand up and shine in his own way.
This match is not just about tactics. It is about belief, emotion and momentum. Newcastle cannot afford a defeat at home, especially with difficult away games against Marseille and Everton coming next. The pressure is heavy, but these are the moments that shape a season.
If Howe wants to replace Joelinton properly, he must trust the next wave of talent. And there is no better opportunity than now to give Lewis Miley the stage he deserves.
This could be the night where the young midfielder confirms why so many see him as one of the brightest prospects to come through the Newcastle academy in years. The moment is there for him to take, and Newcastle need someone brave enough to seize it.
