Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 8/13
Bookmaker: Luckster
Two camps who will be looking to claim their own respective EFL Cup first-leg advantages on Tuesday night, Newcastle will welcome Manchester City to St. James’ Park.
Newcastle
Starting with the hosts, extending on their FA Cup adventure over the weekend as they eventually edged past Bournemouth following a nail-biting penalty shootout victory on Tyneside, Newcastle have enjoyed a real turn in fortune over the past few weeks. Mounting a sensational stoppage-time comeback at home against Leeds earlier in the month as they claimed a remarkable 4-3 win at St. James’ Park, Eddie Howe’s men have now won all of their previous four domestic appearances across all competitions. Skyrocketing their way into the European spots, Newcastle have also gained a reputation for their extended dominance on home soil. Looking to claim a crucial first-leg advantage on Tuesday night, the former Bournemouth boss has not seen his squad suffer a single defeat from any of their previous 13 straight showdowns at St. James’ Park (11 wins, two draws).
Newcastle Team News
Both dealing with respective knee injuries, Newcastle will once again be without the Swedish duo of Emil Krafth and summer recruit Anthony Elanga. Likewise, suffering what could prove to be a season-ending blow against Leeds on January 7th, Fabian Schar will not play any part here.
Proving to be Newcastle’s hero on Saturday afternoon, England international and former Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale should keep his spot between the sticks. Now bagging back-to-back braces over the past week, ex-Leicester star Harvey Barnes could play a leading role in attack.
Manchester City
As for the visitors, running rampant over the weekend as they extended on their respective FA Cup adventure thanks to a record-breaking 10-1 victory against League One outfit Exeter, Manchester City will be more than aware that they face a far more challenging challenge here. Watching their Premier League title dreams take a major blow over the past fortnight, Pep Guardiola’s men have been forced to settle for a single point in each of their previous three consecutive top-flight showdowns. Now sat six points adrift of runaway leaders Arsenal, the Sky Blues should also be concerned by what is a downbeat record at St. James’ Park. Falling to a 2-1 loss when they travelled to Newcastle for a Premier League battle on November 22nd, Man City have recorded just a single win from any of their previous four trips to Tyneside across all competitions.
Manchester City Team News
All dealing with respective injury issues, Manchester City will be unable to call upon the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol and John Stones. Likewise, away representing Egypt at this month’s AFCON, former Eintracht Frankfurt star Omar Marmoush will once again miss out at St. James’ Park.
Finding the net on his full City debut over the weekend just hours after completing a permanent switch from Bournemouth, Antonie Semenyo should keep his spot from the start. While Erling Haaland might have only found the net in on of his previous five outings, the record-breaking Norwegian superstar will lead the line on Tyneside.
Newcastle vs Manchester City Key Factors to Consider
- When Newcastle welcomed Manchester City to St. James’ Park back on November 22nd, the Magpies claimed a 2-1 victory.
- Guardiola’s men have recorded just a single win from any of their previous four trips to Tyneside.
- Newcastle are unbeaten in all of their previous 13 straight showdowns at St. James’ Park (11 wins, two draws).
- Four of Man City’s last five appearances have finished with both teams finding the net.
- The Magpies have recorded 12 goals on their four-match winning run across all competitions.
Conclusion
With all eyes falling on Tyneside in midweek, neutrals will be hoping for a real FA Cup thriller on Tuesday night. Watching Newcastle clinch a 2-1 victory when they welcomed Manchester City to St. James’ Park back on November 22nd, Howe’s side will know the importance of claiming a first-leg advantage here. Alongside the Sky Blues seeing four of their last five outings finish with both teams finding the net, Newcastle have gained a reputation for their lively outcomes. Playing out an FA Cup thriller against Bournemouth over the weekend, chances could come thick and fast.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 8/13
Bookmaker: Luckster
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