Prediction: Manchester City vs Newcastle

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 13/20

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Manchester City will play host to Newcastle United at the Etihad on Saturday evening, in a match within the second round of the 2023/24 Premier League season. It will be an interesting contest between the reigning English champions and Champions League winners on one hand, and a team on the rise, set to play in the Champions League this term after a long absence from UEFA’s elite club competition.

Manchester City

There isn’t much that can be said about Manchester City that isn’t widely known by the football public. A team that has finally crowned its fascinating domination on any football pitch with the Champions League trophy, they are widely regarded as the best team on the planet. Even their fierce rivals admit as much.

Having trailed Arsenal in the Premier League title race for a long time last term, they showed their usual levels of consistency and winning mentality towards the end of the campaign, taking advantage of the Gunners’ slip-ups to win with unexpected comfort in the end. They coupled that with the FA Cup trophy and the Champions League, thus becoming the first English team since Manchester United in 1999 to complete the treble.

Earlier this week, they built on that incredible success by adding the UEFA Super Cup into the mix, beating Europa League winners Sevilla on penalties.

And if Vincent Kompany though his former club would show his Burnley team some sympathy at Turf Moor in the opening round of the league campaign, the former City defender was sorely disappointed as Erling Haaland struck twice and Rodri set the final score at 0-3. For Pep Guardiola and his men, it’s obviously business as usual.

Team News

There will, however, be some important names missing from the City team on Saturday. Most notably, they will have to make do without playmaker-in-chief Kevin De Bruyne, who could undergo surgery on a serious hamstring problem. The Belgian maestro could, therefore, miss several months of action. Defender John Stones has a muscle injury, and the date of his return to contention is unknown, but he won’t be ready to face Newcastle.

Without De Bruyne in the middle of the park, Guardiola will be dearly hoping to have Bernardo Silva at his disposal. The Portugal international is a minor doubt following a viral condition and is being assessed. A late fitness test awaits defender Ruben Dias as well, due to a concussion.

Ederson Moraes will be standing between the posts, with Kyle Walker set to take his place on the right defensive flank and young Rico Lewis on the left. If so, there would arguably be no need to risk Dias too much, with Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji the obvious candidates to form the centre-back partnership. The midfield will be anchored by Rodri, joined by Mateo Kovacic. Haaland will be leading the attacking line once more, with Silva, Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden in support.

Newcastle United

Newcastle finished fourth in the Premier League last season, beating off a late challenge by a resurgent Liverpool to land the final Champions League spot. Eddie Howe has put together a really strong team, drawing the best out of some of the players already at the club before his arrival, combined with smart signings made possible by the Saudi owners.

Many expected Aston Villa to represent a significant challenge for the Magpies in the opening round, but Howe’s men simply thrashed the visitors at St. James Park, putting five goal past them and conceding one in return. Newcomer Sandro Tonali made a dream Premier League debut with the opening goal, followed by strikes from Alexander Isak (two), Callum Wilson, and another new name in the team, Harvey Barnes. Villa’s hopes were raised only for a short time when Moussa Diaby scored an early equalizer.

Going to the Etihad, Newcastle probably won’t face too much of a pressure – this is, after all, a game not many would expect them to win, but at the same time, it’s a great opportunity for them to show what they can do against the champions.

Team News

Howe won’t be able to call upon defenders Emil Krafth (knee) and Javi Manquillo (groin), as well as former Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock (hamstring). Manquillo could be back for the game against his former club Liverpool next week, while the other two are expected to be out for a while.

With Nick Pope in goal, Sven Botman and Fabian Schar will be tasked with watching Haaland in the middle of the back line. Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn will be covering the flanks. Tonali will be at the midfield base, with Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes further up. In attack, Miguel Almiron and Anthony Gordon will be playing either side of Isak, while Barnes and Wilson await another opportunity to make an impact off the bench.

Conclusion

Despite their injury problems, City are certainly the favourites to win, which basically goes for any game they play regardless of the opposition. But Newcastle will give them a proper game and will be eager to leave a mark on the reigning English and European champions.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 13/20

Bookmaker: ZetBet