Newcastle v Man City- Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Newcastle host Man City The Magpies have lost just once this season but have conceded 29 goals in their last nine league fixtures against City. Pep Guardiola’s side followed successive draws with a 2-1 win in the League Cup in midweek.

Newcastle Form

Newcastle had been on a run of just two losses in 13 league matches prior to their defeat at Fulham last weekend. That run included a 4-0 win against Tottenham, a 5-1 win over Sheffield United, and a 4-1 win at Burnley towards the end of last season. This season began with a 1-0 home win with ten men against Southampton, despite having just 22% possession and only three shots.

A fortunate 1-1 draw at Bournemouth saw Newcastle allow 2.26 xG before beating Nottingham Forest on penalties in the Carabao Cup after a 1-1 draw. The Magpies won successive EPL matches, 2-1 at home against Tottenham and 2-1 away at Wolves. They were thoroughly outplayed last weekend at Craven Cottage, losing 3-1 to Fulham, allowing 22 shots and 2.29 xG.

Newcastle Team News

The Magpies remain without long-term injured defenders Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles. Lewis Miley and Callum Wilson are still four weeks away from returning.

Eddie Howe could make some changes in defense and midfield. Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall are options to replace Kieran Trippier and Lloyd Kelly, while Sandro Tonali could start instead of Joe Willock.

Newcastle Motivation

Newcastle will likely be forced to sit back and allow City to dominate possession. The Magpies will look to hit on fast transitions, using the pace of Isak, Gordon, and Barnes.

A draw would be a fine result, and Eddie Howe may settle for one in the second half with defensive substitutions.

Man City Form

City have not lost in 26 league matches, winning 22 of those fixtures. This league season began with a 2-0 win at Chelsea, followed by a 4-1 victory against Ipswich and a 3-1 win at West Ham, with Erling Haaland scoring two hat-tricks. A 2-1 home win over Brentford followed, with Haaland scoring two more goals.

Man City drew 0-0 at home against Inter Milan in the Champions League, despite having 22 shots and 2.35 xG. Last weekend, they scored deep into injury time to rescue a 2-2 draw against ten-man Arsenal, outshooting the Gunners 28-1 in the second half. In midweek, they beat Watford 2-1 in the Carabao Cup.

Man City Team News

Oscar Bobb and Nathan Ake remain absent, and Rodri has suffered a serious knee injury. Kevin De Bruyne will need a late fitness test before this match.

Mateo Kovacic is set to play in Rodri’s position for this one. Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, and John Stones all started against Watford but could return to the bench.

Man City Motivation

City will be aiming to win this fixture and won’t settle for a draw at any point.

They will look to guard against Newcastle’s counterattacks, but the absence of Rodri may mean they need to focus on outscoring the Magpies.

Key Stats

Newcastle have scored 34 goals in their last 15 EPL matches.

Newcastle have won 9 of their last 15 EPL matches.

Newcastle are unbeaten in their last 10 league matches at home (27 goals scored, 6 wins, 4 draws).

Man City have won 22 of their last 26 league matches (4 draws).

Man City have conceded in 6 of their last 12 matches.

City have scored 29 goals in their last 9 EPL fixtures against Newcastle.

Verdict

This match could see a fair few goals. Newcastle should score, but it’s hard to see anything other than a Man City victory.