Newcastle United vs. Manchester City: Match Preview, Odds & Prediction

Saturday lunchtime finds Manchester City returning to Premier League action as they travel to St. James' Park to face Newcastle.

Previous Matches and Head-to-head

Newcastle, who were involved in a heated rivalry with the hosts and lost 3-1 on the road to Fulham last weekend, will be looking for a swift comeback here. Eddie Howe's squad will be ecstatic to return to St. James' Park on Saturday lunchtime after having their EFL Cup match against AFC Wimbledon postponed earlier in the week and given extra time to recuperate. With a 2-1 win over Tottenham under his belt going into the international break in September, the former Bournemouth manager is determined to get back to Europe this season. But Newcastle are looking for some defensive consistency recently, even though they started this weekend's matches fighting for a spot in the top six. The Magpies have not kept a clean sheet in their last five games, regardless of the competition.

The away team, Manchester City, would have known they escaped a huge bullet at the Etihad after grabbing a thrilling last-gasp equalizer at home against Arsenal last Saturday. But Pep Guardiola's men are intent on breaking even more domestic records this time, building on their EFL Cup adventure earlier this week as they earned a nerve-wracking 2-1 triumph against Championship team Watford. The Sky Blues have again sprang out of the starting blocks this time, adding to their record of becoming the first club in Premier League history to win four successive domestic crowns last season. With thirteen points from as many Premier League matches and a commanding lead again, Man City will seek to make another early statement when they visit St. James' Park this coming weekend.

Newcastle United x Manchester City Team News

Due to ongoing knee issues, Jamaal Lascelles and Dutch international Sven Botman, Newcastle's starting defense, will be out for lunchtime on Saturday. Similarly, Callum Wilson is still considered a huge question mark because he has yet to appear in any tournament this season.

Howe will deploy attacking talisman Alexander Isak at St. James' Park despite the Swedish marksman only scoring once in his first five Premier League games. Harvey Barnes, who has scored in each of his last three Premier League matches, will play in the final third alongside Isak.

Midfield hero Rodri will be out soon after suffering what appears to be a long-term knee injury last weekend against Arsenal. Oscar Bobb, a promising young Norwegian, has avoided action all season after breaking his leg in the summer.

Erling Haaland, who has set a new Premier League record with ten goals, will be pivotal after scoring at the Etihad last weekend and continuing his impressive form. Here is a chance for England international Phil Foden to start his first Premier League game.

Our Predictions

Manchester City win & Both teams to score @ 2.80 on Sky247.ng

After rescuing a dramatic 2-2 draw at home last weekend against title rivals Arsenal, Manchester City will be eager to put a severe stamp on this match. With 13 points from five Premier League games and a commanding lead, Guardiola's side hopes to capitalize on a Newcastle team that lost their season-opening game away to Fulham last weekend.

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