England Premier League
Saturday 13th January 2024
Kick off at 5
Venue: St. James' Park
Match Preview:
A big clash will be taking place in the north of the country at the weekend as Newcastle will take on the champions Manchester City. From recent games between the clubs we know this is one that will be end to end, intense and hopefully will have a few goals in it too.
Form for Newcastle has not been good and the club have really dropped off in the last six weeks. However manager Eddie Howe will point to the recent FA Cup derby win over Sunderland for some reassurance. Granted Newcastle would have been expected to win but in a derby and with Sunderland looking at Newcastle’s form it was a game ripe for an upset, it didn’t happen and the Magpies ran out 3-0 winners.
However in the league Howe’s side have lost 4 from their last 5 games and have dropped to 9th place with 29 points. They are a whopping 16 points behind the league leaders and 11 behind 4th place, that has to be a concern for a club who were able to finish 4th last season. Howe can point to the number of injuries the club have had to endure and there are reports in the media that no money will be available in this transfer window because the club are on the edge of breaking FFP rules. Newcastle have lost their last 3 games in a row with defeats coming against Luton, Nottingham Forest and Liverpool.
There is a sense that Manchester City have gotten over their bad patch which actually consisted more of draws than losses and the good news for them of course is that Kevin De Bruyne is back. Fresh from winning the World Club Cup City followed that up with back to back wins over Everton and Sheffield United. In the FA Cup last weekend they made light work over Huddersfield at home winning 5-0. City have climbed up to 3rd place with 40 points and could go into 2nd and just two points behind Liverpool with a win here, they also have a game in hand over the Reds and it is this one. On the road City has the best away record in the league with 19 points won from 30. They have won 60% of their away games so far and that includes their last two in a row.
Team News:
Newcastle: Joelinton is expected to miss the next six weeks due to a groin injury, Callum Wilson isn’t expected back for at least two more weeks due to a calf injury. Nick Pope’s return has been extended until April due to a shoulder injury. Matt Targett is out with his hamstring and not due back for another 3 weeks, Jacob Murphy remains out with a shoulder injury, Javier Manquillo is sidelined with his groin, Harvey Barnes is not back for at least another two weeks due to a toe injury. Elliot Andersen is out with a back injury with no fixed return date, Joseph Willock remains out with his Achilles and Sandro Tonali is suspended for the season.
Manchester City: Erling Haaland isn’t expected back until the end of the month with a foot injury but is back in training. Jack Grealish will be assessed due to illness. Manuel Akanji will be assessed for a recent knock and John Stones is out with an ankle injury with no fixed return date.
Newcastle vs Man City Head to Head:
The teams drew 3-3 in this fixture last season.
The clubs did meet this season in the EFL Cup at Newcastle and the home side won 1-0.
Manchester City have won 8 of the last 10 meetings.
Newcastle vs Man City Prediction:
You have to feel sorry for Eddie Howe. It has been a season of injuries after injuries and not just fringe players but key ones. It has no doubt impacted the side this season. He will be hoping that the owners will understand this. Newcastle have been poor lately but overall their home form has been solid although they did lose their last game here against Nottingham Forest.
Manchester City will be wary of such an attacking side but we expect them to get the job done even if they will be missing Haaland. City look like they are gelling again and this is a huge opportunity to close the gap on Liverpool, they can’t allow them to have a five point advantage not at this stage of the season.
Newcastle vs Man City Betting Tips:
Manchester City to beat Newcastle at 1.62
Anytime goalscorer: Julian Alvarez at 2.30
Anytime goalscorer: Kevin De Bruyne at 3.75
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