Football
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    Newcastle vs Man City tips and predictions: Wounded Magpies to struggle against rampant champions

    Seb SternikSeb Sternik11 January 2024
    Eddie Howe

    Eddie Howe

    A difficult season for Newcastle gets even harder this weekend as Eddie Howe’s wounded Magpies take on a title chasing Man City side (Sat, 1730 GMT).

    Pep Guardiola and his men head into their first Premier League fixture of the New Year with a five-point deficit to league leaders Liverpool.

    City, who have played a game fewer than all their title rivals, will be determined to close that gap when they travel to Newcastle.

    The Magpies are not only facing a wrath of injuries but are also experiencing a real slump in results.

    Howe’s men have lost seven of their last nine matches across all competitions. Their last outing did restore some momentum, with Newcastle going on to beat Sunderland 3-0 in the FA Cup.

    Injuries and poor form aren’t the only problems for the Magpies. Their past results against the Citizens are also worrying.

    Newcastle have only picked up one league victory over Man City in 32 attempts. What’s more, they haven’t kept a clean sheet in 30 consecutive encounters.

    With that in mind, we’re backing the visitors to maintain their push for a successful title defence.

    Man City to win the match and both teams to score is one way to tackle this fixture in the betting market. Over 2.5 goals is another option.

     

    Key stats

    -  Newcastle have won just one of 32 Premier League games against Man City

    -  Man City have scored in each of their last 30 Premier League games against Newcastle

    -  Newcastle have lost six of their last nine Premier League matches

    -  In their Premier League history, Man City have won more games (30), scored more goals (98) and kept more clean sheets (22) against Newcastle than against any other opponent

     

    Team news

    Newcastle’s injury worries continue to pose Eddie Howe a selection headache.

    The Magpies are without Elliott Anderson, Harvey Barnes, Javier Manquillo, Jacob Murphy, Nick Pope, Matt Targett, Joe Willock and Callum Wilson. Sandro Tonali remains suspended while Joelinton is a doubt.

    Man City, on the other hand, won’t be able to count on John Stones, Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland. Manuel Akanji is a doubt.

     

    Suggested bets

    Manchester City to win and both teams to score
    Manchester City to score first
    Over 2.5 goals

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