Manchester City vs Newcastle United February 21 2026 Premier League Match Changes Title Race

Manchester City needs to win against Newcastle on February 21, 2026, to close the 5-point gap on league leaders Arsenal. This is a crucial match for their title hopes.
By Newsroom | Football, Premier League |

The stakes are high as Manchester City seeks to close the gap on league leaders Arsenal, facing a determined Newcastle United side. The Premier League title race is intensifying, with every match carrying significant weight for teams vying for the top spot. This encounter between Manchester City and Newcastle United is crucial for Pep Guardiola's squad, especially after league leaders Arsenal dropped points midweek. Newcastle, meanwhile, is looking to build on their recent form and potentially disrupt the established order. The teams have already met multiple times this season, adding another layer of intensity to this fixture.

Match Context and Current Standings

Manchester City currently sits in 2nd place in the Premier League standings, trailing league leaders Arsenal by five points. Crucially, Manchester City has played one fewer game than Arsenal, presenting an opportunity to capitalize on their rivals' slip-up. Newcastle United occupies 10th position in the league.

Read More: Manchester City leads Newcastle 2-1 at halftime on Feb 21, 2026

Manchester City vs Newcastle - Premier League LIVE: Latest score, team news and updates as Pep Guardiola's side look to capitalise on Gunners dropping points midweek - 1

This match is part of the 2025-2026 Premier League season.

Key Match Details

  • Venue: The Etihad Stadium, Manchester

  • Date: February 21, 2026

  • Kick-off Time: 3:00 PM ET (15:00 GMT)

  • Broadcasting: NBCSN, Peacock (Streaming), Universo

Team Lineups and Availability

Manchester City:

  • Starting Lineup: Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Guehi, Ait-Nouri, Rodri, Silva, O’Reilly, Semenyo, Marmoush, Haaland

  • Out (Injured): Jeremy Doku (calf), Josko Gvardiol (ankle), Mateo Kovacic (ankle)

  • Questionable: Erling Haaland (knee), Max Alleyne (knock)

Newcastle United:

  • Starting Lineup: Pope, Hall, Burn, Thiaw, Trippier, Tonali, Ramsey, Willock, Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon

  • Out (Injured): Lewis Miley (knee), Bruno Guimaraes (ankle), Valentino Livramento (thigh), Fabian Schar (ankle), Emil Krafth (thigh)

  • Questionable: Yoane Wissa (training), Sven Botman (back)

Note: Erling Haaland is listed as questionable for Manchester City, but appears in the starting lineup according to one report.

Manchester City vs Newcastle - Premier League LIVE: Latest score, team news and updates as Pep Guardiola's side look to capitalise on Gunners dropping points midweek - 2

Recent Encounters and Team Form

Manchester City and Newcastle United have already faced each other in one match this season. Details of this specific match are not provided in the current data.

However, the teams have a history of close contests this season, with:

Manchester City vs Newcastle - Premier League LIVE: Latest score, team news and updates as Pep Guardiola's side look to capitalise on Gunners dropping points midweek - 3

  • Manchester City losing to Newcastle in the league.

  • Manchester City securing decisive wins over Newcastle in a pair of League Cup semifinal ties.

Newcastle United is described as being "on an uptick in form."

Match Narrative and Tactical Considerations

Pep Guardiola, Manchester City's manager, has expressed the significance of the remaining 12 games, stating, "12 games is an eternity." His immediate focus, however, is on the upcoming match against Newcastle. The narrative around Manchester City is their pursuit of league leaders Arsenal, who drew 2-2 with Wolves midweek.

Read More: Arsenal vs Tottenham: Why the North London Derby on Feb 20, 2026, Matters for League Standings

Manchester City vs Newcastle - Premier League LIVE: Latest score, team news and updates as Pep Guardiola's side look to capitalise on Gunners dropping points midweek - 4

Newcastle United faces the challenge of playing Manchester City away from home, compounded by their own injury concerns, notably the absence of talisman Bruno Guimaraes. Furthermore, Newcastle is managing their return from a European match in Azerbaijan.

Official Statements and Managerial Comments

  • Pep Guardiola: "12 games is an eternity. 12 games is a lot. Newcastle is all I am concerned with." This statement underscores his immediate focus on the current fixture rather than broader title implications.

Analysis of Team Strengths and Weaknesses

TeamStrengthsWeaknesses
Manchester CityPursuit of league leaders, home advantageKey player availability (Haaland, Doku, Gvardiol, Kovacic)
Newcastle UnitedRecent upturn in formSignificant injury list (Guimaraes, Miley, Livramento, Schar, Krafth)

Expert Insights and Predictions

While specific expert predictions are not detailed in the provided data, the context suggests a highly competitive match. Manchester City's need for points to challenge Arsenal at the top of the table is a significant motivator. Newcastle's recent improvement in form, coupled with their previous league victory over City this season, indicates they will be a resilient opponent.

Conclusion and Implications

The match between Manchester City and Newcastle United holds considerable importance for the Premier League title race. Manchester City has a clear objective: to secure three points and reduce the deficit to Arsenal. Their ability to do so will be tested by a Newcastle United side that has shown signs of improved performance and has a previous victory over City this season. The availability of key players, particularly Erling Haaland for Manchester City, will be a critical factor. Regardless of the outcome, this fixture is likely to contribute significantly to the ongoing narrative of the 2025-2026 Premier League season.

Read More: Former Tottenham Goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi Scores Own Goal in New Zealand

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the date and time for the Manchester City vs Newcastle United match on February 21, 2026?
The match between Manchester City and Newcastle United is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026. Kick-off is at 3:00 PM Eastern Time (15:00 GMT).
Q: How does the Manchester City vs Newcastle United match on February 21, 2026, affect the Premier League title race?
Manchester City is currently 5 points behind league leaders Arsenal and needs to win this match to close the gap. Arsenal dropped points recently, making this game vital for City's title chances.
Q: Which key players are injured or questionable for Manchester City's match against Newcastle on February 21, 2026?
For Manchester City, Jeremy Doku (calf), Josko Gvardiol (ankle), and Mateo Kovacic (ankle) are out injured. Erling Haaland and Max Alleyne are questionable due to a knee issue and a knock, respectively.
Q: What are the injury concerns for Newcastle United before their match against Manchester City on February 21, 2026?
Newcastle United has several players out due to injury, including Lewis Miley (knee), Bruno Guimaraes (ankle), Valentino Livramento (thigh), Fabian Schar (ankle), and Emil Krafth (thigh). Yoane Wissa and Sven Botman are also questionable.
Q: What is Newcastle United's recent form and history against Manchester City in the 2025-2026 season?
Newcastle United is reported to be improving in form. They have already beaten Manchester City once in the league this season, although City won both League Cup semi-final ties between the teams.
Q: Where is the Manchester City vs Newcastle United match on February 21, 2026, being played?
The match will take place at The Etihad Stadium in Manchester, which is Manchester City's home ground.