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Out-of-form Newcastle host the champions Manchester City on Saturday evening with the Magpies hoping to continue their strong home form. This game kicks off at 5:30pm and will take place at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle
Newcastle fans had something to celebrate on Saturday lunchtime as they watched their side dismantle local rivals Sunderland in the FA Cup third round. Eddie Howe desperately needed a positive result and a matching performance having come under pressure for the club’s alarming mid-season drop-off. With Champions League football now a seemingly distant memory, the Tynesiders can concentrate on the domestic action and they will also be looking to strenghten throughout January.
Match has ended
The hosts have been reliant upon their excellent home form this season, although they were defeated by Nottingham Forest here on Boxing Day. Prior to that unexpected loss, Newcastle had won seven in a row in front of their own fans and they’d managed to keep clean sheets in six of those matches. They will be looking to restrict Manchester City on Saturday teatime.
They have already beaten some difficult opposition here in the north east with Arsenal, Chelsea and Aston Villa all failing to land a blow. Liverpool and Nottingham Forest are the only two sides to have escaped with maxiumum points.
On NYD, Newcastle travelled to Anfield and were soundly beaten 4-2 by Liverpool. The scoreline flattered the visitors, who recorded an xGA of over 7 and allowed the hosts to have 23 shots in 90 minutes.
Injuries have blighted Newcastle’s season so far and the latest blow is likely to see Joelinton miss at least a couple of weeks of action. The midfielder picked up an thigh injury in the FA Cup and won’t be available for this tie. Harvey Barnes and Callum Wilson are closing in on a return, however, this clash is likely to come too soon for the attacking pair. Joe Willock is still a few weeks away.
Man City
Manchester City cruised to victory in the FA Cup at the weekend as they brushed aside Championship outfit Huddersfield at the Etihad. Pep’s men barely had to get out of second gear throughout the contest and they will have plenty of energy in reserve for this upcoming fixture.
The biggest news emerging from the City camp is the much-anticipated return of Kevin de Bruyne with the inspirational midfielder getting a run out against the Terriers and laying on an assist for the final goal of the game. The Belgian has missed a big chunk of the campaign and he’ll be aiming to make up for lost time during the second half of the season. A fully fit De Bruyne could make a significant difference in the Premier League title race. It remains to be seen whether he is given a start on Saturday or whether he has to make do with a place on the bench.
Phil Foden has been in electric form whereas Julien Alvarez has stepped up considerably in recent weeks. Pep will be pleased with the contribution of Oscar Bobb, who has looked terrific during his recent appearances.
City have played fewer PL games than most sides, however, their triumphant appearance at the Club World Cup has resulted in them playing more games than most top flight sides throughout December. Nevertheless, they arrive in good form and have won three of their last four PL matches.
They haven’t been as solid away from home and they have conceded the first goal in each of their last three on the road. Nevertheless, they’ve won the last two and have found the net nine times across their last four away trips. They don’t keep many clean sheets away from the Etihad with just two shutouts recorded so far this season (vs Manchester United and Burnley).
Head to Head
These two sides have already met twice this season with both sides picking up a 1-0 victory. City edged past Newcastle at the Etihad at the beginning of the season before the Magpies exacted their revenge in the EFL Cup at the end of September.
Newcastle have failed to score in their last two PL matches against Manchester United, however, both games were on the road. Last season’s encounter here was a memorable one ending 3-3 with the visitors coming from 3-1 down to snatch a point.
Newcastle may have beaten this opposition in the League Cup, yet they haven’t recorded a PL victory over them since January 2019 when Matt Ritchie and Salomon Rondon struck to earn the hosts a much-needed victory.
Key Betting Stats
- Manchester City’s last four away games have contained a total of 16 goals
- Newcastle have conceded just seven home goals in the PL this season, although three of those (43%) were shipped against Nottingham Forest last time out.
- 41% of the goals that Newcastle have conceded this season have come in the final 20 minutes.
- 35% of Newcastle’s matches have been goalless at the break.
- Newcastle matches have averaged 5.5 cards so far this season
- Three of Bernardo Silva’s five goals have come away from home
Match Prediction
Newcastle may struggle here and could fall to consecutive home defeats. Man City, with Kevin Bruyne back in the XI may just edge this, yet don’t expect them to keep a clean sheet.
Winning Combo
Man City to Win and BTTS
2/1 with Bet365
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