The English Premier League is set to feature some exciting matches this weekend. Title chaser Manchester City will take Newcastle United away from home, aiming to get closer to Arsenal at the top of the table. Newcastle United, however, are not in their best form as they were last season. The Magpies are now in 14th with 12 points only and have lost their last two games in a row. Therefore, this game is crucial for Newcastle United to keep their hopes alive for a top-four finish.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said, “It’s a really tough fixture, we know Manchester City’s qualities, but we want a raucous St James’ Park. The home support this season has been incredible and we’ve played well at home too. Regardless of results, you have something to prove every game. I want the players to respond this weekend – everyone is hurt by those two away games we had, no one more than myself. We’ve been looking deep into everything we do and planned and plotted a route ahead.”
Stats & Facts
- Man City have won four of their last five Premier League games, including two wins in a row.
- Newcastle United have lost three of their last five league games and won the remaining two. The Magpies lost each of their last two matches in this competition.
- Erling Haaland is only one goal away from completing 100 goals as the fastest player in the English Premier League.
- Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has never won against Manchester City in the Premier League. As a manager, Eddie Howe suffered 16 defeats against Man City and tied only 2 matches.
- Newcastle United have won their last five league games at St. James Park, where they scored 11 goals.
Team News
Newcastle United’s defender Dan Burn was sent off against Brentford before the international break, so he has to serve the suspension and will miss tomorrow’s match. Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento are making progress and are close to return. But the match against Man City comes too fast for them. However, the manager confirmed that both Nick Pope and Joelinton are available for selection.
As for Man City, Mateo Kovacic is out of the team due to an ankle injury, and Rodri still needs time as Guardiola does not want to take any risk. Pep Guardiola is likely to continue with the same squad that played against Liverpool.
Possible Lineup for Newcastle United:
Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon
Possible Lineup for Manchester City:
Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Bernardo, Gonzalez; Cherki, Foden, Doku; Haaland
Prediction: Newcastle 1-2 Man City
Man City are chasing the title. They are very close to Arsenal and at this stage, they can not afford to lose any points. Newcastle United are a tough challenge for the Citizens, but Newcastle United are not in a good rhythm. So, the Guardiola boys will be looking for full three points at St. James Park.
Betfair Odds
Newcastle: 3.54
Draw: 3.68
Man City: 2.02
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