NEWCASTLE UNITED'S weary warriors got a much-needed shot of adrenalin last weekend with a rousing derby win in the FA Cup but they now face one of toughest challenges in the Premier League as champions Manchester City come calling.
Last week's trip to local rivals Sunderland on cup duty was huge for Eddie Howe after a poor run of results sent his injury-hit team tumbling out of Europe, the Carabao Cup and down the Premier League table.
There was even talk the Newcastle United manager could have been a goner had his side lost but instead the Magpies eased to a 3-0 victory, busting the coupon of our man Mark in the process.
That tournament remains Newcastle's only hope of ending their lengthy trophy drought this season but their Saudi owners will still be demanding an improvement in league results.
With Howe's side now 11 points off the top-four pace they need to start getting some wins on the board but it's never easy when Manchester City are your opponents.
The champions were wobbling a little before they headed off for the Club World Cup, with a run of just one win in six Premier League games seeing them slip down the table.
But being crowned the best team on the planet seems to have given Pep Guardiola's side renewed vigour, with Manchester City racking up three successive wins on their return to England.
They battered Championship side Huddersfield 5-0 in the FA Cup last weekend, bringing up a handicap bet for Mark, and Kevin De Bruyne's return from a long-term injury has given City a massive boost.
Star striker Erling Haaland has also missed their last eight games with an injury and when both those players get fully fit and firing again it could propel Guardiola's side to yet another title.
How the bookies view it
Given the form of both teams, it's no great surprise to see Manchester City as odds-on favourites and their best price is just 3/5 at BetMGM. But Newcastle still have a strong first XI and with home advantage a few punters might fancy a nibble at 23/5 with BetUK. The draw pays a best 7/2 with BetMGM.
Recent head to head
Manchester City have found St James' Park a tough venue in recent seasons and they crashed out of the Carabao Cup on their last visit earlier this season. That came after a thrilling 3-3 draw on Tyneside in the Premier League last season. But those two results have been the only rays of light in the last 10 overall meetings, with Manchester City winning the other eight matches.
Players to watch
Alexander Isak was the Newcastle hero in the FA Cup last weekend as the Swede scored two of their three goals. He's now on 14 for the season and is a tempting 13/5 at Paddy Power to add to that tally against a City defence that usually gives the opposition a few chances.
It looks like Haaland won't return for another few weeks so Julian Alvarez should start up top once more and the Argentine is in great form, with five goals in his last four outings. He's 7/4 at Unibet for another goal here and that looks decent value.
Anything else catch the eye?
We only saw one goal when these teams last faced off but neither manager picked his strongest side that night in the Carabao Cup. It will be a different story here so I'm hoping for another thriller like that 3-3 draw last term. BTTS is just 8/11 (Midnite) and over 2.5 goals even shorter at 8/13 (BetUK) but combining those bets pays 21/20 at BoyleSports.
Bruno Guimaraes has been amassing yellow cards at an incredible rate this term and another booking in last week's cup tie made it 14 for the season for club and country. The Brazilian has gone in the book in his last five matches so I'm surprised to see him as big as 2/1 with Paddy Power for a card here.
Miguel Almiron should start on the right wing for Newcastle United and he's usually a livewire. Bet365 price him at 6/4 just to have a shot on target and that looks worth a punt. Another stats bet that catches the eye is the 5/4 at Unibet for over 9.5 match shots on target.
This English Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester City will be played on Jan 13, 2024 and kick off at 17:30. 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.
