NEWCASTLE UNITED have probably had the worst injury luck of any team in the Premier League and their jinx has struck again heading into their FA Cup quarter final at Manchester City.
An away game against the English and European champions is as tough as it gets anyway, but the Geordies travel through to the Etihad with yet more setbacks following their midweek defeat at Chelsea.
Key players Harvey Barnes and Kieran Trippier were already missing before arguably their best performer of the season Anthony Gordon limped off and faces time out.
The Toon Army have been wiped out this season with injuries and Saturday night's trip to Manchester represents their last chance to prevent yet another season with no silverware.
They will now be depleted and face Pep Guardiola's side who are likely to show no mercy whatsoever.
After their bruising 1-1 draw at Liverpool, City have had almost a week to rest and then go off on the international break after this so forget any prospect of City going easy on Newcastle or heavily rotating at least.
And their draw at Anfield was their 21st game in a row without a loss.
How the bookies view it
Unsurprisingly, City are strong odds-on favourites here at 1/4 with bet365. Newcastle are friendless at 10/1 with William Hill and the draw is 5/1 with Paddy Power.
Recent head to heads
This will be their fourth meeting of the season with City winning both league games by one goal, although Newcastle knocked City out of the Carabao Cup..
Players to watch
Kevin de Bruyne was far from happy when he was subbed off by Pep Guardiola last week at Liverpool and the Belgian playmaker may have a point to prove. He is 11/4 to score anytime with Paddy Power.
Alexander Isak netted a fine equaliser in London against Chelsea on Monday for the Swede's 17th goal of the season for club and country. He is 10/3 to score for what would be third game in a row with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
As injury-ravaged as Newcastle are, they are unlikely to go down without a fight here and can contribute to the goals tally. Go for a City win and both teams to score at 8/5 with bet365.
Just under 8,000 Geordies will back their side with a sold-out increased allocation because it's an FA Cup tie and that should add to the often-criticised atmosphere at the Etihad.
There could be goals galore here and it's worth taking a stab on over a City win and over 4.5 goals at 3/1 with Paddy Power, with Newcastle having nothing to lose.
This FA Cup match between Manchester City and Newcastle United will be played on Mar 16, 2024 and kick off at 17:30. 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.
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