Prediction: Newcastle vs Manchester City

Verdict: Manchester City win

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Desperate to make up some ground in the title chase this weekend, Manchester City will travel to St. James’ Park when they meet Newcastle.

Newcastle

Starting with the hosts, managing to extend on their FA Cup adventure last weekend as they secured a routine 3-0 romp away at local rivals Sunderland, Newcastle will be hoping to use that performance as a platform to build on. However, while the Magpies might have made real history last season as they secured a top-four finish, it has been suggested that there is some mounting pressure on Eddie Howe’s shoulders. Crashing out of the Champions League last month, the former Bournemouth boss has seen his squad come tumbling down the table. Opening 2024 with an action-packed 4-2 loss at the hands of Liverpool on New Year’s Day, Newcastle have remarkably lost six of their last seven appearances against Premier League opposition. Facing a real uphill battle in their bid to punch another top-four ticket, Howe’s side will be bracing themselves for a stern examination here.

Team News

All still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Newcastle will once again be without the likes of Nick Pope, Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy, Callum Wilson, Joe Willock and Elliot Anderson. However, returning from a groin strain against Sunderland last weekend, England international Kieran Trippier will start at right-back.

Bagging an FA Cup brace at the Stadium of Light last weekend and with nine Premier League strikes to his name this season, Alexander Isak will spearhead Howe’s charge here. Sven Botman will once again partner Fabian Schar at the heart of Newcastle’s defence.

Manchester City

As for the visitors, while Manchester City might have found themselves at the heart of an extended blip after returning from November’s international break, Pep Guardiola’s side have come roaring back in an eye-catching fashion. Last seen extending on their FA Cup adventure as they secured a 5-0 romp against Championship outfit Huddersfield, the Sky Blues have won all of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Signing off 2023 with a routine 2-0 victory against Sheffield United, the one-time Barcelona boss will be desperate to make a statement of intent here. Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat five points adrift of top spot, Man City will also be excited by their continued success away from the Etihad. Including their FIFA Club World Cup triumph last month, Guardiola’s side have won all of their last five showdowns outside of the blue half of Manchester.

Team News

Now missing all of Manchester City’s last eight straight outings, Guardiola’s side are once again expected to be without Erling Haaland on Saturday evening. While Kevin De Bruyne might have made a first appearance since August 11th against Huddersfield last weekend, the Belgium ace will settle for another spot on the bench here.

Bagging four goals in as many appearances across all competitions, England international Phil Foden should have a leading role to play here. Argentina international Julian Alvarez will once again lead Guardiola’s attack in Haaland’s absence.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Newcastle and Manchester City last met back on September 27th, the Magpies picked up a 1-0 EFL Cup victory at St. James’ Park.
• However, Howe’s side have lost six of their previous seven meetings against Premier League opposition.
• Manchester City have won all of their last five appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 17-1.
• Likewise, the defending Premier League champions have won all of their previous five showdowns away from the Etihad.
• England international Phil Foden has scored four goals in as many appearances across all competitions.

Conclusion

Continuing to shine on either side of opening up the New Year, Manchester City will be smelling the chance to make up some crucial ground here. Winning all of their last five straight appearances across all competitions and crowned FIFA Club World Cup champions last month, Guardiola’s side will be looking to cash in on a Newcastle squad that have endured a major Premier League struggle over the past couple of months. Losing six of their last seven meetings against top-flight opposition, Howe’s men will be bracing themselves for another stern examination at St. James’ Park.

Verdict: Manchester City win

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Dachbet