With professional fixtures falling foul of respective COVID outbreaks up and down the country, Manchester City's trip to St James' Park remains one of the few games left in the Premier League.
The Blues go into the clash on the back of a 7-0 demolition of Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds as City were in top form as they dispatched their West Yorkshire opposition.
Kevin De Bruyne grabbed a brace as he returned to form as Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Riyad Mahrez, John Stones and Nathan Ake also got on the scoresheet.
Newcastle, on the other hand, let a one-goal lead slip to Pep Guardiola's title rivals Liverpool as Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold all contributed to their 3-1 win.
City's preparations took a slight knock when the Spanish manager produced an inconclusive result during the latest stringent testing. They later received a boost when further tests found he had not contracted Covid.
Following the postponements around the league, the Blues will now kick-off at 2pm.
How do the pundits see the clash playing out?
Mark Lawrenson - BBC Sport
"Manchester City seem to have found it tricky at St James' Park in recent years for various reasons and they have not yet taken Newcastle apart there the way they have demolished most teams at one time or another under Pep Guardiola," he said.
"This time, I think they will find it a lot easier. City showed against Leeds what kind of form they are in, while Newcastle go into the game after successive defeats at Leicester and Liverpool.
"I think the Magpies will end the week with another loss, and will just be hoping they don't do more serious damage to their goal difference."
Prediction: Man City 3-0.
Michael Owen - BetVictor
Michael Owen told BetVictor : "I didn’t think Newcastle played badly at Anfield but it was the same old story for them. I never worry about them scoring goals, but they concede too many soft goals. I’m certain that Eddie Howe’s priority in January will be to get some defenders in the squad.
City were exceptional against Leeds. When they play like that, they are the best team in the world. It was good to see De Bruyne look back to his best. He’s not quite got going this season but maybe this will be just what he needed.
I think Newcastle can get a goal in this one. The fans will be really up for this game and that could inspire them. City will have too much quality though and get a few of their own.
Prediction: Man City 3-1.
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