TWO of the world's richest clubs meet at St James' Park when Newcastle United get an early test of their improvement this season when champions Manchester City come calling.
Both clubs have started their campaigns well and they are the only two clubs in the league not to concede a goal. That's likely to change on Tyneside.
Pep Guardiola's side have effortlessly picked up from where they ended last term with a pair of bloodless wins against West Ham and Bournemouth with Erling Haaland predictably taking little time to introduce himself to English football.
They are already four points ahead of perceived closest challengers Liverpool and City look like a well-oiled machine again.
Newcastle are going to be an intriguing watch this season. They have clearly significantly improved from last season's start although they haven't quite splashed out the financial outlay many were expecting so far.
They seem to be very well-organised defensively which has rarely been the case for the Toon Army. They will give City their biggest test so far at a bouncing St James' Park.
How the bookies view it
City are heavy odds-on here despite forsaking home advantage. You need hefty pockets to back them at a best-priced 2/5 with Boylesports. They are mostly 1/3.
Newcastle are 8/1 with bet365 and the draw is 43/10 with SBK.
Recent head to heads
Newcastle were hammered twice last season by City. They were thumped 5-0 at the Etihad and 4-0 at St James' Park as seen below.
City have won the last six encounters.
Players to watch
Newcastle's Brazilian star Joelinton is awaiting his first goal of the season and would love to open his account against City. He is 9/1 with UniBet to do just that.
All eyes as usual will be on Erling Haaland. He surprisingly failed to score on his 74 minutes on the park last week desite City hitting four, but scored a brace at West Ham. But he's odds-on at a best-priced 8/11 with bet365 to score here
Anything else catch the eye?
City should be too strong here, but evey indication is that Newcastle have toughened up and will give them a fright. The 1/3 backers may have to work for their money.
The champions will settle for a win of any note here and there could be value on them winning by one goal at 14/5 with UniBet.
Last season's goal blitzes could be a thing of the past and they will be restricted in opportunities by Newcastle's new-look, hard-to-beat tactics.
The hosts can win with a two-goal start and should be backed on the handicaps for that at 4/5 with Ladbrokes. City should get a game here all right.
This English Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester City will be played on Aug 21, 2022 and kick off at 16:30. Check below for our tipsters best Newcastle United vs Manchester City prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
