NEWCASTLE UNITED will have to shake off the crushing disappointment of their Carabao Cup Final loss to the red half of Manchester as they head to the Etihad looking to upset Pep Guardiola's champions.
The Toon Army were hoping to toast their first major trophy since 1969 when they descended on Wembley in their thousands last Sunday but ended up drowning their sorrows again after a 2-0 loss to Manchester United.
That trophy drought will extend to another year at least and it's now four games without a win for Newcastle after a promising start to the season under Eddie Howe.
But they can still end the season on a high by gatecrashing the top four to claim a Champions League slot, with the Magpies having two games in hand on Tottenham as they bid to close a four-point gap.
Facing Manchester City at the Etihad is a daunting prospect though, especially with Guardiola's side hunting down Arsenal at the top as they fight to hold on to their Premier League crown.
There's no doubt Man City have struggled at times this season but they could still end the campaign with a memorable treble of league title, FA Cup and Champions League crown.
A 3-0 midweek win at Bristol City in the FA Cup made it just one defeat in 10 games for Manchester City and the goals are starting to flow again. So any Wembley hangover from Newcastle United could be ruthlessly punished.
How the bookies view it
With Newcastle in poor form they are 33/5 outsiders with SBK for a win at the Etihad. Manchester City's best price is just 4/9 at BetUK while the draw pays 4/1 at VBet.
Recent head to head
These sides battled out a thrilling 3-3 draw at St James' Park earlier this season but Manchester City have generally dominated this fixture, winning seven of the last 10. The Etihad hasn't been a happy hunting ground for Newcastle of late, losing on their last seven visits. That run has included three 5-0 losses and a 6-1 battering.
Players to watch
I backed Phil Foden for a goal at Ashton Gate on Tuesday and he delivered by netting twice in City's 3-0 win. That should earn the winger another start here and he's 4/1 at Unibet for anytime scorer. The same firm also price him at 21/20 just to have a shot on target and that looks great value if Foden starts.
Allan Saint-Maximin did me a turn at Wembley after I'd backed him for a shot on target and the Frenchman was superb in that 3-3 draw with City back in August. He's 17/10 at Unibet just to have another shot on target here and that looks value again while the odds increase to 19/2 with the same firm if you back him to score.
Anything else catch the eye?
The goals have dried up for Newcastle of late but they caused Manchester City untold problems at St James' Park and Guardiola's side always cough up some chances. That makes me think BTTS stands a chance at 10/11 with Unibet while over 3.5 match goals also appeals at 17/10 (888Sport) as it has landed in five of the last six meetings.
Guardiola's attack has started firing again, with City scoring in both halves in their last two matches. That bet pays 6/5 at 888Sport for this one and it could be worth a punt with Newcastle on a downer after Wembley.
Howe will probably view left-back as a potential weak link for City, with either Nathan Ake or Bernardo Silva playing out of position there since Joao Cancelo's loan move to Bayern Munich. I'd expect Saint-Maximin to play down the right and his pace and power could lead to his marker being booked. Ake is priced 11/2 by Bet365 for a card while Bernardo Silva is 22/5 at Unibet.
This English Premier League match between Manchester City and Newcastle United will be played on Mar 4, 2023 and kick off at 12:30. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester City vs Newcastle United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
