Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to make another title statement on Saturday evening, Manchester City will travel to St. James’ Park when they meet Newcastle.
Newcastle
Starting with the hosts, while Newcastle might have come flying out of the traps since getting their Champions League adventure, Eddie Howe’s men have continued to show some glaring domestic issues. Last seen heading into November’s international break with a 3-1 loss away at Brentford, it has been suggested that the former Bournemouth boss has some increasing pressure on his shoulders. Getting November underway with another disappointing 3-1 defeat against relegation scrappers West Ham, the Magpies are seeking a much-welcomed Premier League boost. However, scrapping it out at the foot of the table, Howe’s side have lost three of their last four Premier League showdowns and they should be bracing themselves for another stern examination here. Remarkably getting this weekend’s fixtures underway holding just a two-point buffer over the drop zone, Newcastle are also searching for some crucial defensive steel.
Newcastle Team News
Shown a red card away at Brentford prior to the International break, former Brighton defender Dan Burn will serve a one-match suspension here. Likewise, undergoing knee surgery back in September, England international Valentino Livramento remains on the sidelines and will play no part.
Bagging a trio of strikes while away with Germany over the part fortnight, big-money summer recruit Nick Woltemade will lead the line at St. James’ Park. Fellow new recruit Malick Thiaw should partner Sven Botman at the heart of Howe’s defence on Saturday evening.
Manchester City
As for the visitors, heading into November’s international break with a sensational 3-0 romp at home against defending Premier League champions Liverpool, Manchester City have their sights firmly set on recapturing their domestic crown this season. In the midst of what had become quite the purple patch, Pep Guardiola’s superstar squad will be looking to make another title statement here. Cruising their way to an empathic 4-1 Champions League victory against German giants Borussia Dortmund earlier in the month, City have won their previous four appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 13-3. Likewise, the Sky Blues have also won seven of their last eight outings – a run that stems back to a 2-2 stalemate against Monaco on October 1st. Really firing on all cylinders prior to the fortnight interval, Guardiola’s men should be smelling a potential opportunity when they travel to St. James’ Park this weekend.
Manchester City Team News
While Mateo Kovacic might have been dealing with a hip injury prior to November’s international break, the former Chelsea star should return to Guardiola’s squad here. Making back-to-back starts for England over the past fortnight, John Stones could be handed a domestic recall.
Firing Norway to next summer’s World Cup and already notching 14 goals in his first 11 Premier League appearances, the record-breaking Erling Haaland will spearhead City’s charge at St. James’ Park. Making an immediate impact since completing a blockbuster move from PSG over the summer, Gianluigi Donnarumma will start between the sticks.
Newcastle vs Manchester City Key Factors to Consider
- When Manchester City and Newcastle last met back on February 15th, the Sky Blues stormed their way to a 4-0 romp on home soil.
- City have won their previous four appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 13-2.
- Likewise, the Sky Blues have won seven of their last eight outings across all fronts.
- Newcastle have won just a pair of their previous seven Premier League appearances.
- The Magpies have suffered consecutive Premier League defeats for the first time this season.
- The record-breaking Erling Haaland has already registered 14 goals in his first 11 Premier League appearances.
Conclusion
Heading into November’s international break with a dominant 3-0 victory against defending champions Liverpool, Man City will be dreaming of a repeat display here. Looking to move within touching distance of top spot, Saturday’s guests will be looking to make another title statement here. Meeting a Newcastle defence who have shown some real cause for concern, City will also be excited by their most recent showdown against the Magpies. Landing a stunning 4-0 romp when they welcomed Howe’s downbeat squad to the Etihad back in February, the Sky Blues should be confident of making a heavyweight statement.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
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