Premier League: Trip to the Etihad Spells Trouble for Newcastle

Manchester City vs Newcastle United

After coming so close to winning the Carabao Cup and just falling short, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United needs a pick-me-up; but they are unlikely to get it when they meet Manchester City in this weekend’s Premier League curtain raiser.  

Newcastle come into the match without a win in four games while Manchester City breezed through to the quarter finals of the FA Cup with a 3-0 win away to Bristol City. And with City manager Pep Guardiola recently having to field questions on the mood of his team, the boss has been ebullient and his players have done their talking on the pitch.

After winning a first trophy in six years Manchester United fans are getting a bit giddy and dreaming of more silverware to come this season but, while the Red Devils are improving for sure, it is the Sky Blue side of the city which already has a team established as a serial league winner.   

At odds of 1.38 to win this game the Sky Blues are red hot favourites; and with renewed determination at the Etihad I can’t see any other outcome.

Talking Points

Foden can inspire the Sky Blues  

Pep Guardiola has an embarrassment of riches, of that there is no doubt, but his team still has a lot of work to do if they are to deny current leaders Arsenal a first title in almost two decades. Erling Braut Haaland, with 27 goals already, is going to break plenty of records during his stay with City, however long that may be, and Kevin de Bruyne, with 12 assists so far this season, has arguably been the best player in the league over the past five years.

And in 18 year old wingback Rico Lewis the Sky Blues have one of the most exciting young talents in world football. 

But it is attacking midfielder Phil Foden who can take the Sky Blues to the next level in the run in. He lost his place in the team due to a niggling ankle injury and the form of Jack Grealish has kept him out of the starting line-up. Foden has returned with three goals in two games and Guardiola’s policy of bringing players back slowly is likely to pay off again. Riyad Mahrez showed fantastic form when he returned after a lay-off and Foden will be desperate to show that he is one of the best players in the world.     

He has eight goals and six assists from 22 games, and those stats will increase by some margin. Foden is in the mood and he has the ability to produce some of the best Premier League 2023 highlights we are likely to see in the coming months; and that is an exciting prospect for City fans.

Prior to Arsenal’s clash with Everton on Wednesday night the Premier League 2023 betting odds could hardly separate the Sky Blues and the Gunners, with City at a SBOTOP price of 1.98 and the Gunners at 2.00.

Are the Sky Blues about to move up a gear?  

How will final defeat affect Newcastle?  

Eddie Howe led Newcastle to the brink of a first major competition win since 1955 but they missed out agonisingly, losing 2-0 to the Red Devils courtesy of a Casemiro header and a wickedly deflected second from Marcus Rashford. The Magpies dominated possession but it was at either end of the pitch where they fell short. 

Goalkeeper Nick Pope missed out after picking up a red card the previous week and he will be back for sure, but Howe must somehow lift his players, which will not be easy to do after such emotional turmoil. Midfielder Bruno Guimaraes was in tears at the end of the game, which shows how much the club means to him following his transfer from Lyon last year. He’s been the Geordies’ bets outfield player and they need him to maintain his form if they are to climb back into the top four.    

Newcastle have the tightest defence in the Premier League, conceding just 15 goals, but they must find more creativity to beat teams like the Manchester duo. Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron are both lively strikers, while Kieran Tripper and Alain St Maximim provide a good supply of chances.

This could still be a great season for the Magpies but they can’t afford their winless run to continue for much longer.

History

Manchester City have dominated the head to head encounters with Newcastle, winning 30 of the 48 meetings in the Premier League era, while the Magpies have picked up nine wins and nine draws.

The two teams played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at St James’ Park in August as both defences were uncharacteristically generous, but I can’t see a repeat of that on Saturday.    

Recent form favours the Sky Blues who have recorded four wins and two draws from the last six, while Newcastle United have won two, drawn two and lost two.

And, despite failing to grab this title race by the throat so far, City have been superb at home, winning ten, drawing one and losing just one.   

Betting Tip

The Magpies are at 4.45 to earn a point and at 5.60 to take all three. The visitors won’t be easy to break down but the Sky Blues have the players, the home advantage and momentum all pushing this game in their direction. 

 

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