Prediction: Newcastle vs Manchester City

Verdict: Manchester City win & Both teams to score

Best Odds: 9/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Turning their attention back to Premier League duties on Saturday lunchtime, Manchester City will travel to St. James’ Park when they meet Newcastle.

Newcastle

Starting with the hosts, eventually falling to what was a 3-1 loss away at Fulham last weekend, Newcastle will be seeking an immediate response here. With their EFL Cup tie against AFC Wimbledon postponed earlier in the week and handed some additional time to recover, Eddie Howe’s men will certainly be excited by the prospect of returning to St. James’ Park on Saturday lunchtime. Heading into September’s international break with a 2-1 victory against Tottenham, the former Bournemouth boss has his sights firmly set on securing a European return this season. However, despite opening this weekend’s fixtures battling it out in the top-six chase, Newcastle are seeking some recent defensive stability. In fact, the Magpies have failed to record a single clean sheet from any of their previous five appearances across all competitions.

Team News

Both still dealing with respective knee injuries, Newcastle will once again be without the defensive duo of Jamaal Lascelles and Dutch international Sven Botman on Saturday lunchtime. Likewise, yet to make a single appearance across any competition so far this season, Callum Wilson is once again seen as a major doubt.

While attacking talisman Alexander Isak might have recorded just a single goal from any of his first five Premier League appearances, the Swedish marksmen will lead Howe’s attack at St. James’ Park. Now finding the net in all of his previous three top-flight outings, the red-hot Harvey Barnes will partner Isak in the final third.

Manchester City

As for the visitors, eventually snatching what was a sensational last-gasp equaliser at home against Arsenal last weekend, Manchester City would have known that they dodged a major bullet at the Etihad. Nevertheless, extending on their EFL Cup adventure earlier in the week as they secured a nervy 2-1 victory against Championship outfit Watford, Pep Guardiola’s men have their sights firmly set on shattering even more domestic records this time around. Becoming the first club in Premier League history to claim four consecutive domestic titles last season, the Sky Blues have once again come flying out of the traps this time around. Mustering 13 points from their first five top-flight showdowns and once again leading the chase at the top of the table, Man City will certainly be looking to make another early statement when they travel to St. James’ Park this weekend.

Team News

Suffering what looks set to be a long-term knee injury against Arsenal last weekend, Manchester City will be without the services of midfield talisman Rodri for the foreseeable future. Sustaining a broken leg over the summer and yet to make a single appearance this season, Norwegian youngster Oscar Bobb remains on the sidelines.

Once again finding the net at the Etihad last weekend and remarkably already registering 10 Premier League goals, the record-breaking Erling Haaland will play a leading role. England international Phil Foden could make a first top-flight start of the season here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Newcastle and Manchester City last met back on March 16th, the Sky Blues collected a 2-0 victory at the Etihad.
• Likewise, Guardiola’s men secured a thrilling 3-2 victory when they travelled to St. James’ Park last season.
• In fact, the defending Premier League champions have lost just one of their previous 13 showdowns against Newcastle across all competitions.
• Erling Haaland has recorded 10 Premier League goals in just his first five top-flight appearances this season.
• Newcastle have failed to record a single clean sheet from any of their previous five appearances across all competitions.

Conclusion

Eventually snatching what was a frantic 2-2 stalemate at home against title rivals Arsenal last weekend, Manchester City will be looking to lay down a real marker here. Still putting 13 points on the board from their first five Premier League appearances and already leading the chase at the top of the table, Guardiola’s men will be looking to cash in on a Newcastle squad that suffered a first defeat of the season away at Fulham last weekend.

Verdict: Manchester City win & Both teams to score

Best Odds: 9/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet