Newcastle vs Man City Preview
The downward-trending Magpies are gearing up to host last season’s treble-winning Manchester City side playing catch-up to the league leaders this season. While Newcastle has consistently been falling down the Premier League standings in recent weeks, the Cityzens are looking to make the most of their games-in-hand due to their time away at the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup in December.
Currently sat in ninth place, Eddie Howe’s men risk derailing their season at the halfway mark should they continue in their poor vein of form. They have earned 29 points from 20 games so far but have secured just one win in their last six league games. They lost the remaining five games, conceding a worrying 15 goals and scoring just four.
Meanwhile, Manchester City are third in the table with 40 points from their 19 games and trail leaders Liverpool by five points. They have won three of their last five league games, losing narrowly against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa during that phase. A win against the Magpies would see Pep Guardiola’s side leapfrog Villa into second place.
Newcastle vs Man City Team News
Newcastle
The hosts Newcastle will be without Sandro Tonali, who will remain suspended through August 2024 due to a ban. Custodian Nick Pope remains sidelined with a shoulder injury picked up early in December keeping him out of action for prolonged spells. Callum Wilson, too, will miss out due to a calf injury, while Joelinton remains a doubt after picking up a thigh injury in the Magpies’ win over Sunderland in the FA Cup.
Man City
Manchester City will likely make the trip up North without Erling Haaland, who has returned to light training but could miss the game as a precaution. Bernardo Silva missed City’s win over Huddersfield in the FA Cup but is expected to return. John Stones has not yet begun training and his return date remains unknown, while Kalvin Phillips, who is expected to depart the club soon, misses out due to illness.
Probable Lineups
Newcastle
- Goalkeeper: Martin Dubravka
- Defenders: Kieran Trippier (Captain), Fabian Schar, Sven Botman, Dan Burn.
- Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Lewis Miley.
- Forwards: Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak, Miguel Almiron.
Man City
- Goalkeeper: Ederson.
- Defenders: Kyle Walker (Captain), Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake.
- Midfielders: Rodri, Mateo Kovacic, Phil Foden.
- Forwards: Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva, Julian Alvarez.
ALSO READ: Newcastle United Targets Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips for January Loan Move.
Newcastle vs Man City Head-to-Head & Prediction
Manchester City have an excellent head-to-head record against Newcastle United, winning eight of their last 10 games against the Magpies, with the others being one draw and one defeat. The last time the Tynesiders secured a win over City was back in 2019, a 2-1 win at St. James’ Park.
While Newcastle have failed to net a single goal in each of their last five visits to the Etihad in the Premier League, their home record has been better. Last season, the two teams played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at St. James’ Park. Considering their home form, it is likely Newcastle will score at least one goal.
However, City have been ruthless in front of goal in these fixtures, netting 26 goals in the last eight meetings against the Magpies. Despite Erling Haaland’s potential absence, they have enough firepower to score.
Prediction: Newcastle United 1-3 Manchester City.
Newcastle vs Man City Betting Tips & Odds
Betting Tips
- Manchester City to win
- Both teams to score: Yes
- Total goals: Over 2.5
Odds
- Newcastle United win: 5.75
- Draw: 4.50
- Manchester City win: 1.60
Newcastle vs Man City Top Players to Watch
Anthony Gordon
Anthony Gordon has established himself as a key member of Eddie Howe’s rebuild of Newcastle United, chipping in with crucial goals in big games. The winger’s pace and directness could come in handy should the Magpies hope for a positive result on Saturday. With six goals and seven assists in 19 Premier League games so far, Gordon is one to watch.
Kevin De Bruyne
The biggest story coming out of the Etihad Stadium in recent days is Kevin De Bruyne’s long-awaited return from injury. The midfielder has been the heartbeat of City teams over the years and his return is bound to boost morale in the squad. The 32-year-old scored seven goals and provided a league-high 18 assists in the Premier League last season and will look to guide City through the business end of the current season.
ALSO READ: Newcastle United January Transfer Window 2024: Targets, Potential Signings, Need and Outgoing.
Newcastle vs Man City Timings, Telecast & Streaming
- Date & Time: Saturday, 13th December (11 PM IST)
- India: Star Sports Select, Hotstar app and website
- UK: BT Sports, TNT Sports app
- Germany: DAZN