Verdict: Antoine Semenyo over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Desperate to make up some ground in the Premier League title chase on Saturday night, Manchester City will welcome Newcastle to the Etihad.
Manchester City
Starting with the hosts, watching Arsenal suffering a remarkable last-gasp collapse away at Wolves in midweek, Manchester City will be more than aware that they face a must-win showdown here. Getting Saturday’s battle underway sat knowing that they can move within just two points of the Gunners, Pep Guardiola’s men have an almighty job on their hands in the race to reclaim their Premier League crown in 2026. However, mounting an iconic last-gasp comeback away at arch-rivals Liverpool on February 8th as they clinched a famous 2-1 victory at Anfield, the Sky Blues are enjoying what has been a real purple patch. Punching their spot in the final of this season’s EFL Cup after claiming a thumping 5-1 aggregate win against Newcastle earlier in the month, Guardiola’s superstar squad will know the importance of making up some ground.
Manchester City Team News
Undergoing surgery after sustaining a leg fracture last month, Croatian international Josko Gvardiol remains on the sidelines and will not play any part here. Likewise, dealing with a recent calf issue, former Rennes starlet Jeremy Doku remains a doubt on Saturday night.
Already recording four direct goal contributions (three goals, one assist) in his first five Premier League appearances since arriving at the Etihad last month, big-money January recruit Antoine Semenyo will partner Erling Haaland in attack. Handed an FA Cup rest against Salford last weekend, Italian skipper Gianluigi Donnarumma will return between the sticks.
Newcastle
As for the visitors, putting in a sensational Champions League performance on foreign soil in midweek as they opened their play-off adventure with a 6-1 romp against Qarabag, Eddie Howe’s side have certainly turned an essential corner over the past fortnight. Extending on their FA Cup charge last weekend and making a real statement in the Midlands as they cruised their way to a 3-1 victory against Aston Villa, the former Bournemouth boss has seen his squad win each of their previous three appearances across all competitions. However, relinquishing their famous EFL Cup crown on February 4th as they slumped to a 5-1 aggregate defeat at the hands of Manchester City, Howe’s side will be bracing themselves for a far more challenging examination on Saturday night.
Newcastle Team News
Sustaining what looks set to be a season-ending ankle injury last month, veteran defender Fabian Schar will play no part this weekend. Likewise, in what is a monumental blow for Newcastle, the Magpies have confirmed that influential skipper Bruno Guimaraes faces a two month stint on the sidelines with a hamstring issue.
Bagging a quartet of first-half Champions League strikes away at Qarabag on Wednesday evening, England international Anthony Gordon will play a leading role in attack. Making a late cameo appearance off the bench in midweek, Brazilian ace Joelinton could make a first Premier League outing since January 25th.
Manchester City vs Newcastle Key Factors to Consider
- When Man City and Newcastle met in the semi-finals of this season’s EFL Cup this month, Guardiola’s side secured a thumping 5-1 aggregate win.
- Man City have not suffered a single defeat against Newcastle at the Etihad since way back in October 2014.
- The Sky Blues are unbeaten in their last seven outings across all competitions (six wins, one draw).
- Including their Champions League romp away at Qarabag in midweek, Newcastle have won their previous three appearances across all competitions.
- However, the Magpies have failed to record a clean sheet from any of their previous eight appearances across all fronts.
Conclusion
Watching Arsenal suffering a remarkable last-gasp collapse away at Wolves earlier in the week, Manchester City face what is a must-win showdown here. Although Newcastle might have enjoyed a sensational European romp away at Qarabag in midweek, Howe’s side will be more than aware that they face a far more testing examination on Saturday night. Crashing out of the EFL Cup earlier in the month following a thumping 5-1 aggregate defeat, City will know the importance of making a real statement this weekend.
Verdict: Antoine Semenyo over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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