"Pep is not joking anymore", "Pray for Newcastle" - Fans react as Manchester City name XI for PL clash against Newcastle

Manchester City fans are delighted with Pep Guardiola after he named a strong XI against Newcastle United in the Premier League. Many are confident that they will get all three points against the Magpies and close the gap on Arsenal.

Gianluigi Donnarumma starts in goal once again, ahead of Englishman James Trafford, who has been linked with a move away. Matheus Nunes plays as the left-back, with Nick O'Reilly keeping his place as the left-back. Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol are the center-backs for the Magpies clash.

Nico Gonzalez starts in the pivot, with Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden assisting him in the middle of the pitch. Ryan Cherki and Jeremy Doku play on the wings to support Erling Haaland, who leads the attack.

Some Manchester City fans are delighted to see the strong team and have posted:

Pep Guardiola spoke about the goalkeeper situation ahead of the game and said:

"We have an incredible two 'keepers with Gigio and James. I’ve been incredibly impressed how James developed since he left the academy here. Gigio, always I said, when you start at 17 with Milan it’s because you are something special. All the players are qualified for the World Cup and hopefully Gigio can do it. Experience, if you learn from what happens you have more experience, but that doesn’t mean you will always do well."

Manchester City are four points behind leaders Arsenal in the table, and start the game from third spot. They have fallen by a place ahead of kickoff after Chelsea won their match earlier on Saturday, November 22.

Manchester City ready for title race, says Pep Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has warned their Premier League rivals that they are ready to start their title charge. He said that the 'real season starts now' and are ready to catch Arsenal if they slip up. He said:

"The truth is the team as strong as Arsenal in the last seasons, the feeling I had is they will not drop many points and if they get a lot of distance it will be difficult. We are in November, and in November in this league nothing is final. What happens in February or March, be careful. Now international break is done we will see each other every few days till March, now the real season starts now. We have to be there in March. Winning tomorrow would be an important step for us."

Manchester City have won seven of their starting 11 matches in the league, while losing thrice.

Edited by Sripad