Manchester City v Newcastle United: Match Preview, Team News & Prediction

Newcastle go into the game fresh from a 6-1 win against Qarabag, but also fresh in the memory is the 5-1 aggregate loss to Manchester City in the Carabou Cup semi-final.

It remains to be seen which result will have the greater effect on the Lads performance.

Match Preview

After Arsenal dropped another two points against Wolves in midweek Pep Guardiola and his squad will be smelling blood in their pursuit of another Premier League title.

Manchester City, and their crowd, will be well up for this game and there will be plenty of confidence that they can again put the Magpies to the sword.

City have won their last six PL home matches against Newcastle without conceding, and are unbeaten in their last 21 top-flight home meetings against us, winning each of the last 16.

That is some record , for both sides, and whichever team or formation Eddie Howe deploys, City are the team that he has deemed the hardest to play and to get a result.

However, Eddie and his squad have reversed a previously miserable away record this season by winning the last three games on their travels scoring eleven goals in the process. That has to give us all some hope that a defeat is not inevitable.

The double is on for the first time since the 1955/56 season.

The 2-1 win over City in November was one of our best performances during an inconsistent run of form, and it was a well deserved victory that proved City aren't invincible.

So, can we make it the first double over the Citizens in 70 years?

They'll be quaking in their boots at the thought :)

Team News

Botman should be back in the squad and available but Lewis Miley and Yoane Wissa are still not ready and join long term injured players Tino, Schar, Krafth and Bruno.

Another factor in his selection will be possible fatigue from the long flights to and from Baku and and any jet lag from the four hour time difference.

A 4am arrival back in Newcastle won't have done wonders for a proper night's sleep after the game and the effects of any further sleep disruption may not be evident until during the game.

Manchester City will be without Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic, while Jeremy Doku and Savinho are doubtful.

Erling Haaland missed the last game with Salford with 'minor niggles' but should be fit to play.

Match Prediction

I never bet on Newcastle losing a game, but that doesn't mean to say that my usual fivers on a win are always place with confidence.

That's probably why the bookies smile when they see me coming.

Our recent away form should give us some confidence but the reality is this is Manchester City, not a poor Spurs team, a 10 man Aston Villa, or Qarabag.

My head says the best we can hope for is a draw.

But, my fiver is going on a Newcastle win at 5/1 with Bet Fred.

Hope springs eternal in a Toon fans heart.

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