Prediction: Manchester City vs Newcastle

18th November 2011

Premier League leaders Manchester City are looking to extend their winning run to seven games, but they could face a tough task against high-flying Newcastle. The Magpies currently sit in 3rd place and are still unbeaten in the Premiership, although that record will be put to a serious test at Etihad Stadium.

There’s not much left to say about Manchester City’s astonishing results this season, with the mere fact that they have dropped just two points in first eleven rounds speaking volumes about Roberto Mancini’s side. The Citizens have not only won all but one league game this season, but they have also scored at least three goals in nine of those, which is hardly a surprise for a team that boast such players as Edin Dzeko, Mario Balotelli, Kun Aguero and David Silva. While experiencing small problems on the travels, the Citizens have been extremely convincing on their Etihad Stadium, leading us to believe that their great run will continue against Newcastle United. A number of Manchester City players did take part in midweek internationals and few of those could have tired legs going into this game, but I have no doubts that Roberto Mancini will assess their condition and field a side that will hammer Newcastle. Sergio Aguero has recovered from a groin injury, but Samir Nasri and Owen Hargreaves are injury doubts.

Newcastle fans may need to pinch themselves every time they take a look at the Premiership standings, with the fact that their beloved team sit in 3rd place after eleven rounds, just one point behind champions United not that easy to comprehend. The truth is that Newcastle are one of just two unbeaten sides in the Premiership and that they boast the best defensive record in the elite division, having conceded just eight goals so far. The Magpies are clearly brimming with confidence following the unbelievable start to the season, but I just can’t see them getting something from this game. While the visitors are bound to put up a real fight, City’s superior quality in all areas of the pitch will have to prevail sooner or later, especially with battling midfielder Cheick Tiote likely to miss out with a knee problem. Sylvain Marveaux is also out, while Leon Best, Gabriel Obertan and Shola Ameobi are all doubtful.

Conclusion

Newcastle may have been pretty impressive this season, but they still lack the quality needed to match a side like Manchester City. Should the hosts fail to find their game, the Magpies will have a chance to produce an upset, but I doubt that is going to happen. City should be able to record another comfortable win on home soil.

Verdict: Manchester City with -1 European handicap

Best Odds: 5/6

Bookmaker: Paddy Power