Manchester City will look to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they lock horns with Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Saturday lunchtime.
Pep Guardiola’s side spilled points for the first time this season in the top-flight when rescuing a last-gasp equaliser from a fractious 2-2 draw with Arsenal last Sunday, on an afternoon where my corner bet copped.
While that stalemate helped the Sky Blues retain their place at the summit of the standings, they were dealt a crushing blow with the news that star midfielder Rodri will miss the rest of the season.
After labouring to a 2-1 win over Watford in the EFL Cup in midweek, City will look to tighten their grip on top spot by triumphing on Tyneside.
Newcastle tasted defeat for the first time this term when falling to a 3-1 loss at Fulham last Saturday.
Eddie Howe’s side now face a tall order if they are to avoid a second defeat in succession when table-topping Man City come to town.
How the bookies view it: Toon Army to be toppled
Newcastle – who have won their opening two Premier League home games of the season – are big outsiders at 19/5 (Betano) while a share of the St James’ Park spoils has been priced up at 10/3 (Betano).
Man City are firm 4/7 favourites on Betano to get their title defence back on track by securing all three points on Saturday.
Head to head: City hold the upper hand
The duo crossed paths four times across the Premier League and the two domestic cups last season, with Man City claiming top honours on three occasions.
Newcastle emerged victorious from the other encounter, eliminating City from the EFL Cup last term courtesy of a 1-0 win.
Players to watch: Haaland hungry for more goals
After becoming the fastest player to hit double figures in Premier League history last weekend, Erling Haaland is just 8/11 (Bet 365) for an anytime strike on Saturday.
Lewis Hall was a half-time substitute for Newcastle last weekend so he could get the nod from the off on Saturday. The young Magpies left-back stands out to commit just one foul during this game at 10/11 on Bet 365.
Predicted line-ups
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe may decide to freshen things up following last week’s loss at Fulham, though he won’t be able to call upon the likes of Callum Wilson, Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman.
Rodri has joined both Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb in the Man City medical room, while Kevin de Bruyne is a doubt after missing last week’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
Newcastle: Pope; Livramento, Burn, Schar, Hall; Guimaraes, Joelinton, Longstaff, Barnes, Gordon; Isak
Man City: Ederson; Walker, Gvardiol, Dias, Akanji; Gundogan, Kovacic, Silva, Grealish, Foden; Haaland
Anything else catch the eye?
Pairing up Bruno Guimaraes and Ilkay Gundogan both to commit a foul will bring about an eye-catching even-money (1/1) play on the Bet 365 Bet Builder.
Magpies midfielder Guimaraes has committed a combined total of six fouls across his five top-flight appearances this term, including three in his last outing at St James’ Park against Tottenham.
As for Gundogan, he has fallen foul of the referee in three of his four Premier League appearances since returning to Man City, and his defensive workload could increase now that teammate Rodri will no longer be patrolling the midfield battleground.
This English Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester City will be played on Sep 28, 2024 and kick off at 12:30. 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.
