Prediction: Newcastle vs Manchester City

Prediction: Man City win & both teams to score

Best Odds: 13/8

Bookmaker: bet365

The Premier League is back in our lives as we get ready to enjoy some rare midweek action, following on from the chaos of the FA Cup. One of the more intriguing games on the bill is Newcastle United vs Manchester City, in the type of encounter that has been pretty close throughout the years. Benitez’s men lead the overall head to head standings 71-68, although City are unbeaten in their last six meetings. If that doesn’t tell you that the times are changing, then nothing will.

Newcastle

Rafa Benitez will partially just want to try and come out of this game in one piece, as his focus turns towards the transfer window. The relegation-threatened Geordies are desperate to bring in a few new faces, but at this moment in time, there’s still some concern that it won’t happen. Whatever happens, though, they should still give it everything they’ve got against City, despite the fact that most fans and media members alike are already writing it off as an automatic loss.

Team News

Schar and Lejeune are expected to return for Newcastle but Darlow, Diame, Shelvey, Dummett and Ki are all out, with Muto being away on international duty.

Manchester City

The train keeps on rolling for Manchester City, who are as hot as they ever have been under Pep Guardiola. They’re putting teams away for fun and they have Liverpool in their sights, with this game already being seen, as you’ll well know, as an automatic three points. Alas, we all know how dangerous it can be to look past teams when it seems like you’ve already got the win wrapped up, and Guardiola needs to be careful of that.

Team News

Swelling in Mendy’s knee has caused some doubt over his return to the first team, with Kompany still being sidelined. Guardiola is expected to make some big changes following his side’s big win in the FA Cup, with the likes of Sterling, Sane, Laporte and Aguero among others gearing up for a start.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at Newcastle’s St James’ Park.
• Newcastle have two wins, one draw and three losses in their last six games.
• Man City have six wins in their last six games.
• Newcastle have scored nine goals and conceded nine in their last six games.
• Man City have scored 28 goals and conceded zero in their last six games.

Conclusion

We’re expecting a bit of a tame first half between both of these teams, with Newcastle being hesitant to come forward whereas City take their time and don’t give up too much energy. We think the reigning champions will eventually push forward with emphasis and score a few goals, before easing their way to the result. However, we still believe the Magpies are going to grab a consolation goal which will confirm a result in which City take home the three points with both teams scoring.

Prediction: Man City win & both teams to score

Best Odds: 13/8

Bookmaker: bet365