03/03/2023
The Etihad Stadium is the location of the latest round of Premier League matches for Newcastle United as they face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on Saturday.
The Citizens come off the back of a midweek victory over Bristol City in the firth round of the FA Cup whereas the Magpies will be wanting to bounce back with a win following their gut-wrenching 2-0 defeat at the hands of Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United in the Carabao Cup Final last Sunday.
A brace from Kevin de Bruyne along with a strike from Phil Foden helped Manchester City ease to a 3-0 victory on Tuesday night which sets them up with a clash against Burnley who are currently managed by former Citizen defender Vincent Kompany. The victory over Bristol also extended their streak of successive away victories to five in all competitions.
Before their fifth round success, Pep Guardiola’s side cruised to a 4-1 victory at the Vitality Stadium against Bournemouth as they aim to keep in touching distance of Arsenal who lead the race for this seasons Premier League winners trophy. Despite just being five points behind the league leaders, the current champions will know that they cant afford to slip up in the remaining 13 games left to play as Manchester United are just six points behind them and have a game in hand.
Manchester City currently boast the best home record in this season’s Premier League campaign, so far they have secured 31 points from a possible 36. Their only fall backs this season being a 2-1 defeat by Brentford and a 1-1 draw against Everton. Their goal scoring record isn’t too shabby either, a total of 41 league goals on home turf is currently the most compared to any other team in England’s top four divisions.
The Citizens have beaten the Magpies in all of their last 13 premier league clashes on home soil and have scored in each of their last 28 league meetings with the North East outfit so they will have their sights set on victory come Saturday afternoon. In order to do that they will need to improve on their clean sheet record though, they have only been able to shut out their opponents on three occasions in their last 16 league games.
Its been a good season for the Magpies so far and the Geordie faithful were in fine voice as they packed out the capital on Sunday for their first Cup Final since 1999. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be for Eddie Howe’s side as they were beaten by Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United 2-0 thanks to goals from Casemiro (assisted by the officials) and Marcus Rashford.
Whilst winning silverware would have been a dream for everyone linked with Newcastle United, Eddie Howe has insisted that his players will not let their heartache from the final ruin their season ambition of qualifying for
European football next year.
Newcastle’s momentum has taken a bit of a hit over recent weeks, a run of just one victory in their last seven league matches has seen them drop out of the top four. If they defeat Manchester City on Saturday, it will end a run of four successive league games without a victory.
September 2001 was the last time Newcastle United beat Manchester City in the league, Alan Shearer scoring the winning goal on that occasion as Bobby Robson’s side ran out 1-0 winners at Maine Road.
Even though Newcastle’s recent form hasn’t been great, they are currently unbeaten in their last eight top-flight fixtures and in the reverse fixture earlier on in the season, they played out a entertaining 3-3 draw at St James’ Park so they know they have what it takes to give their hosts a run for their money.
Manchester City Team News: John Stones, Aymeric Laporte and Stefan Ortega will face late fitness tests if they are to be included in Saturdays squad. Ederson will be expected to feature as he chases his 100th clean sheet in the Premier League. Rico Lewis faces competition from Kyle Walker for the starting spot at right back. Erling Haaland will lead the line after being rested during the midweek FA Cup clash. Phil Foden will be hoping to retain his spot in the starting line-up alongside either Riyad Mahrez or Jack Grealish.
Newcastle United Team News: Nick Pope is legible for selection after serving his suspension which means that Lorius Karius will either drop to the bench or out of the squad. Matt Targett could return to the side in place of Dan Burn at left back following a lengthy lay off with injury. Anthony Gordon will face competition from Allan Saint-Maximin for the spot on the left flank, the latter has been in good form recently. Bruno Guimaraes is expected to be fit for selection which will give Eddie Howe a selection headache on who starts in the midfield trio. It is yet to be seen whether Eddie Howe will stick with the misfiring Callum Wilson up front or he will switch to Alexander Isak.
Sutty’s Match Prediction: Being realistic, I can’t see us coming away with a win on Saturday. Our lack of clinical threat in front of goal is worrying and I can’t see where the goals will come from. Our defence has been sloppy recently and with City being as ruthless as they can be, we will be lucky to come away from the Etihad with a share of the points. Don’t get me wrong, anything can happen with Newcastle and we could even sn**ch a victory but for my score prediction I’m going: Manchester City 2 Newcastle United 1.
03.03.2023