Joleon Lescott thinks Newcastle could receive a huge slice of luck against Man City on Saturday

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Newcastle United are set welcome treble winners Manchester City to St James’ Park as they look to build on Saturday’s Tyne-Wear derby win.

Eddie Howe’s team will be full of confidence after their comfortable win at the Stadium Of Light, but capitalising on it will be easier said than done.

Now Newcastle United must shift their attention back to the Premier League, where they have the small matter of taking on Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola‘s side are third in the league right now, and will be eager to win on Saturday to close the gap on leaders Liverpool.

They have received a big boost ahead of their trip to St James’ Park, with Kevin De Bruyne making his return from injury during Sunday’s FA Cup third round win over Huddersfield Town.

The Belgian came off the bench and immediately got an assist, and now he will be eyeing up his Premier League return.

It could happen against Newcastle this weekend, but former Man City defender Joleon Lescott does not expect De Bruyne to start at St James’ Park.

Lescott does not think De Bruyne will start against Newcastle

Lescott has been speaking to the We’re Not Really Here podcast about Newcastle vs Man City this weekend, and he believes that the potential atmosphere inside the ground could force Guardiola to keep De Bruyne on the bench.

“I don’t think he will start,” he said.

“I’d be surprised if he does. The quality is there but the fitness may not be.

“We know what that arena can draw in terms of atmosphere so adrenaline will be high. That can be draining at times. He could start but you only want to start players who you know could finish the game because there could be an unexpected injury and then you’re not able to take him off. That makes things difficult.”

Newcastle will need to stop De Bruyne no matter what

It would be a blessing if De Bruyne did not start against us on Saturday. He is a world class player, and someone who always seems to deliver against the Magpies.

De Bruyne actually scored one of the best goals I have ever seen at St James’ Park – that stunning half volley during a 2-2 draw back in 2018 when Steve Bruce was in charge.

Whether or not the atmosphere will influence Guardiola’s decision over De Bruyne remains to be seen. Regardless, it is still probably too early for him to be starting after his lengthy hamstring injury.

But he will likely come on at some point, which is something Newcastle are going to have to deal with. That is the quality that Man City have – just like that they can bring an elite player on from the bench.

As for the Magpies, there will be much less depth. It looks like Joelinton will miss the game due to injury, while it is too early for Callum Wilson to return.