Prediction and odds for the game: Newcastle (16/1) v Manchester City (1/6) Back the 0ver 2.5 goals scored at odds of 4/9.
When: Saturday 30th December 2019, Kick-off 12:30 PM
Where: St James Park
In Saturday’s early kick-off in the Premier League, reigning champions Manchester City will look to continue their chase of league leaders, Liverpool.
Newcastle
The home side has enjoyed an up and down campaign so far. The Magpies are currently 14th place in the Premier League table after taking just 15 points from their first 13 games this season.
A promising three-game unbeaten run in the top-flight ended last time out, as Steve Bruce’s team suffered a 2-0 defeat Aston Villa. One worrying factor for the north east side of late is their defensive record, as they have kept just one clean sheet in their last seven top-flight outings.
One positive for the Magpies of late is their Premier League record at St James Park. The team from the north east are five games unbeaten on home soil in the English top-flight. Their recent home matches have been tight and low-scoring affairs, with under 2.5 goals scored in five of their six games.
Newcastle will be hoping for a repeat of last seasons clash with City at St James, as the Magpies pulled off a 2-1 victory against the reigning champions.
Manchester City
The Citizens form has dipped this season and their unconvincing displays have seen Pep Guardiola’s team fall a massive nine points behind leaders Liverpool in the race for the title.
The visitors have now won just one of their last four matches in all competitions. However. The reigning champions have recorded four wins from their previous five matches in the Premier League. The biggest factor in those victories has been City’s attacking prowess, as they have scored at least twice in four of their last five league games.
One factor that may affect City’s attacking efforts this weekend is the absence of star forward Sergio Aguero. The Argentinian is currently suffering from a groin injury. The injury gives a chance to Brazilian international Gabriel Jesus to lead the City attack.
Guardiola’s team have a slightly inconsistent away record of late in the top-flight, as they have won two and lost two of their last four matches in the English top-flight. They have remained a major attacking threat on their travels of late, though, scoring at least two goals in six of their last seven away games.
Conclusion
Newcastle are an unpredictable team at the moment. With City’s injury problems and unconvincing form, the Magpies may feel they have a chance of picking something up against Pep Guardiola’s team.
City are now under massive pressure not to slip up, as they cannot afford to fall even further behind Liverpool if they are to have a hope of catching the Merseysider’s in the title race.
We are backing the over 2.5 goals scored, while we are also backing Kevin de Bruyne at odds of 12/5 for an anytime goalscorer, as the Belgian is in top form and could be the key player for City with Aguero missing.
Verdict: Back the over 2.5 goals scored at odds of 4/9 and/or Kevin de Bruyne to be an anytime scorer at odds of 12/5. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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Win Manchester City slip up in the north east for a second straight season?
