Would crucial player's unavailability affect Manchester City's fixture against Newcastle?

Newcastle United, after facing a much-deserved loss against Fulham, looks forward to facing Premier League Champions Manchester City. While there doesn't seem much difference in the points between the two clubs, there has been a massive difference in their performances. On one side, Manchester City have gone strength to strength, with their stars bagging goals for fun; Newcastle's performance has been much mediocre.

Would crucial player's unavailability affect Manchester City's fixture against Newcastle?

So far in the season, Eddie Howe's side has been very fortunate to find themselves with 10 points, given their performances. And that has been the major concern for Eddie Howe's entourage as to how to face such an in-form squad at their home. However, it is to be noted that Manchester City is much more likely to arrive in the fixture without a superstar, thus opening chances for Newcastle.

In City's recent fixture, they would be significantly happy to get a point against Arsenal through an end-minute equalizer. Pep's concern has been the injury of one of his best players. Star pivot midfielder Rodri, who has been the running machine for Pep's midfield, faced a knee injury in the game against Arsenal.

Pep Guardiola, mentioning the injury's severity, said,

"“Rodri is strong. He leaves the pitch in this action because he felt something; otherwise, Rodri stays there.""

- Pep Guardiola

While certainly it has been very unfortunate on the part of Rodri and Man City, his absence could be pivotal for Newcastle's upcoming fixture against them. Even though the Magpies' midfield has been facing many issues, with Howe still on about finding the perfect balance for his midfield, clearly, Newcastle's chances increase for the fixture considering Rodri's unavailability.

Being the talented defensive hold he is, Rodri could have single-handedly influenced the game, taking the fixture away from Newcastle. However, Eddie Howe has issues of his own; having known that starting Willock didn't work much, it is highly expected he would make key changes in his midfield.

Thus, overall, Rodri's absence in the fixture surely affects it to some extent, but that doesn't put the Magpies club much ahead of Pep's side. Knowing that Manchester City has some of the best names in their lineup, they still enter the fixture as favorites, and it remains to see how many points Howe's side could extract from the important matchday.