Verdict: Half-Time/Full-Time Away Win
Best Odds: 8/13
Bookmaker: 888sport
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City travel to St James’ Park looking to extend their record-breaking winning run in the final match of the Boxing Day round on Wednesday night.
Newcastle United
Magpies will be hoping for a Christmas miracle when they play host to rampant Manchester City. Rafa Benitez’s men did well to end their nine-match winless run in the Premier League with a 3-2 win at West Ham and get themselves out of the relegation zone last time out. Sitting in 15th place in the standings, Newcastle United are well-aware of the great challenge lying ahead of them.
Having lost eight of their last 10 Premier League outings, out-of-form Newcastle United are not expected to get anything out of their forthcoming fixture with league leaders Manchester City. Benitez’s men have been in a terrible run of form and their win over West Ham could be considered a flash in the pan given the circumstances. The triumph in London will, however, be an important morale boost for Magpies who lost four of last six matches against Manchester City. Newcastle are two points ahead of the dropping zone and could be pushed back below the red line if other results don’t go their way.
Team News
Aleksandar Mitrovic and Jesus Gamez are likely to be left out of the team due to respective injuries.
Mikel Merino and Isaac Hayden have both picked up knocks that kept them out of contention last time out but they could make a first-team return for Manchester City clash.
Manchester City
The Citizens are currently enjoying a remarkable run of results which saw them drop just two points this entire season in the Premier League. Pep Guardiola recorded the best ever first half of a PL season with his side sitting on top of a comfortable 13-point cushion ahead of Manchester United in second.
The current point gap between Citizens and Red Devils is the greatest ever between first and second place recorded on Christmas day in English top-flight history and Guardiola’s men are sure confident they will be able to preserve it following the Boxing Day round. Manchester City have been putting in impressive, high-tempo displays throughout the season and the level of confidence in their performances has been nothing short of impressive. Led by incredible Kevin De Bruyne who is enjoying a season of his life, the Citizens are running riot toward the Premier League title which already has their name written all over it.
Team News
De Bruyne suffered from an illness that limited his playing time against Bournemouth last time out but should be ready for full 90 minutes this time around.
John Stones is nearing a return to full fitness but will not be risked just yet. Benjamin Mendy remains sidelined with a long-term knee injury.
Key Factors to Consider
- Man City dropped only two points all season in the Premier League
- The 13-point gap between Citizens and Red Devils is biggest-ever on Christmas in EPL
- Guardiola’s men are enjoying the best ever first half of a PL season
- Newcastle lost 8 of their last 10 Premier League fixtures
- Citizens scored 60 goals in 19 Premier League games this season
Conclusion
Newcastle United have seemingly turned a corner in the Premier League thanks to the inspiring 3-2 win at West Ham, but their forthcoming clash against rampant Manchester City is likely to put an end to their rekindled hopes. Citizens are enjoying a fantastic run in the league and will be motivated to keep up the pace as Pep Guardiola insists his side keep their foot firmly on the throttle.
Verdict: Half-Time/Full-Time Away Win
Best Odds: 8/13
Bookmaker: 888sport
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