Man City vs Newcastle LIVE commentary: Champions without De Bruyne for Toon test – kick-off time, team news and how to follow

Manchester City face the first real test of their Premier League title defence when they host Newcastle this weekend.

City began their pursuit of an unprecedented fourth successive top-flight crown with a 3-0 win over newly-promoted Burnley.

Last season’s top scorer Erling Haaland got off the mark with two goals as Pep Guardiola’s side proved they will still the side to beat.

But Newcastle caught the eye most over the opening weekend and sit top of the Premier League table after battering Aston Villa 5-1.

The Magpies faced City during the first few weeks of last season as well and the two sides played out an entertaining 3-3 draw.

Man City vs Newcastle: talkSPORT coverage

This Premier League clash will take place on Saturday, August 19.

Kick-off at the Etihad will take place at 8pm.

talkSPORT will have live and EXCLUSIVE coverage of this match presented by Faye Carruthers.

Commentary will then be provided by Sam Matterface and former England winger Trevor Sinclair.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

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Man City vs Newcastle: Team news

The hosts will be without Kevin De Bruyne following a re-occurrence of his hamstring injury that he originally suffered during the club’s Champions League triumph in May.

De Bruyne has been ruled out for up to four months with what Guardiola has described as ‘a serious one.’

John Stones, Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva are all set to be unavailable with the Stones sustaining a muscle issue in training.

Meanwhile, Julian Alvarez has suffered a knock and is struggling for fitness ahead of the game.

Newcastle have a choice to make over summer signing Harvey Barnes and last season’s top scorer Callum Wilson, who both scored from the bench against Villa.

Eddie Howe has no other injury concerns to contend with but could hand a first start to new signing Tino Livramento.

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Man City vs Newcastle: What has been said?

Man City boss Guardiola has praised Newcastle ahead of their clash this weekend.

“It’s a Champions League team,” he said.

“If you are a team that qualifies for Champions League next season it’s because you are a really good team.

“Nobody believed what would happen last season and look what happened. And they continue with this.

“Eddie Howe has built a fantastic, fantastic team for many reasons, in build-up in transitions and ball possession.

“They control everything and it will be a massive test for us.

When asked if the Magpies could challenge for the title, he continued: “If they handle the competitions this season, the Champions League, the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and the Premier League.

“If they handle it well they can compete but it’s completely different when you play one game a week or four games a week but if they are able to handle it, of course, they are contenders.”