Newcastle vs Man City – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

City have beaten the Magpies four times this season already. Newcastle got a key win in midweek but have lost four of their last seven home matches.

Newcastle Form

Newcastle have lost six of their last 12 matches and it’s four losses in the last seven fixtures at St. James’ Park. After three losses in a row, they won 2-1 at Tottenham, won 3-1 at Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round and smashed Qarabag 6-1 away.

A 2-1 loss to Man City at the Etihad was followed by a 3-2 home win over Qarabag to progress to the last-16 of the UEFA Champions League. A surprise 3-2 home defeat to Everton made the midweek home match vs Man Utd into a key tussle. Despite playing the second half with ten men, they scored a last-minute goal to win 2-1.

Newcastle Team News

Eddie Howe remains without Fabian Schar and Tino Livramento in defence. Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley are injury absences in midfield and Jacob Ramsey is suspended.

Creative forward Nick Woltemade should return from illness to boost options. Anthony Gordon could again lead the line, whilst William Osula will again be an impact substitute.

Newcastle Motivation

Newcastle have struggled in home matches of late. They have a terrible record vs Man City in away games, but have two record home victories vs City.

Eddie Howe’s side will make themselves hard to beat. Fast breaks are expected through their speedy wingers.

Man City Form

City dropped points in midweek as their title hopes took a major hit. It was six straight wins in all competitions before that. In the league, they’ve dropped points 13 in their last 11 matches. A dramatic 2-1 win at Liverpool was followed by a 3-0 home win over Fulham.

They beat Salford 2-0 in the last round of the FA Cup before beating Newcastle 2-1 at home in the league, their fourth victory over Eddie Howe’s side this season already . A 1-0 at Leeds was followed by a shock 2-2 home draw vs Nottingham Forest in midweek despite outshooting Forest 21-9.

Man City Team News

Pep Guardiola is without Josko Gvardiol and young defender Max Alleyne in defence. Mateo Kovacic and Nico O’Reilly are set to miss out in midfield.  

There could be a few changes to the XI. James Trafford is pushing to start in goal. Omar Marmoush and Jeremy Doku are options to freshen up the attack.

Man City Motivation

City’s chances of winning the league title have taken a major knock. The FA Cup has therefore taken on greater importance.

They will go to Newcastle and look to win in 90 minutes. They face Real Madrid in midweek, so the players may have one eye on that fixture.

Key Stats

• Newcastle have lost 6 of their last 12 matches in all competitions
• Newcastle have lost 4 of their last 7 home matches (10 wins in 12 at home before that)
• Man City’s last 11 league matches have seen just 5 wins (5 draws, 1 loss)
• Man City have won 6 of their last 7 matches in all competitions
• Man City’s Semenyo has scored 11 goals in his last 18 appearances

Verdict

This match is hard to call after midweek fixtures and with the Champions League on the horizon. Extra time may be required.

Best Bet: Draw at 3.80

Alternate Bet: Man City win/draw double chance and both teams to score at 2.00

Goalscorer Tip: Semenyo to score anytime at 2.35