An intriguing top of the table clash pits the highest scorers against the best defence in Saturday’s early kick-off, and below you can find the most up-to-date team news, predicting line-ups and odds in our Manchester City vs Newcastle United preview.
Manchester City vs Newcastle United Preview
With Arsenal welcoming Bournemouth two hours after this fixture, it would appear on the surface that this is a must-win game for Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola admitted that his side simply cannot afford to drop any more points in their pursuit of a third successive Premier League title, particularly with the Gunners holding a five point cushion heading into this weekend.
The reigning champions welcome a Newcastle side who are fresh off a disheartening Carabao Cup final defeat last weekend, but with the Magpies’ only focal point now the league, they can start to turn their attention to improving their stuttering form as of late.
Eddie Howe’s team remain incredibly hard to break down, evidenced by their recent record of three draws in their previous five. However, if they are to try and keep pace with Tottenham and Manchester United to continue their spectacular journey back into European football, they will need to try and keep the most frequent scorers in the league at bay.
Best defences in the PL, ranked by xGA (expected goals against) vs actual goals conceded
1. Man City 23.57xGA vs 25
= Arsenal 23.57xGA vs 23
3. Newcastle 25.56xGA vs 15
4. Brighton 26.87xGA vs 29
5. West Ham 27.19xGA vs 29
6. Man United 28.36xGA vs 28Stats via Understat pic.twitter.com/FuG5afrTdK
— Aaron Catterson-Reid (@ReidTheGame) March 1, 2023
The previous meeting way back in August was an anomaly in Newcastle’s otherwise impeccable defensive highlight reel, and remains the only time they have conceded more than twice this season. St James’ Park bore witness to one of the season’s most thrilling encounters, with both teams trading blow-for-blow in a high-octane 3-3 draw.
Manchester City vs Newcastle United Odds
- Manchester City @ 4/9
- Draw @ 4/1
- Newcastle @ 11/2
Manchester City vs Newcastle United Team News
Aymeric Laporte returns to the squad after missing several games through a nasty illness, while John Stones is still recovering from the hamstring injury that forced him off against Arsenal in the FA Cup – he returns to the bench also. Manuel Akanji and Ruben Dias will feature in the heart of defence with the pair fully match-fit.
Although it is always a guessing game as to who Pep Guardiola fields, Phil Foden has been praised by the Spaniard as he returns to form following a string of substitute appearances, and his display in midweek against Bristol City warrants him a starting role.
Manchester City Line-Up: Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Ake; De Bruyne, Rodri, Gundogan; Foden, Haaland, Grealish
🔵 Here's your City team to take on Newcastle 🔵#MCFC #MCINEW pic.twitter.com/L4EPfR64G2
— Manchester City News (@ManCityMEN) March 4, 2023
As for the visitors, Newcastle fans will be relieved to see Nick Pope back between the sticks after he agonisingly missed out on the League Cup final through suspension.
Elsewhere, January signing Anthony Gordon is named in the starting 11after he was cup-tied last weekend, while Bruno Guimaraes is primed for a starting role despite appearing to roll his ankle against Manchester United.
Newcastle United Line-Up: Pope; Trippier, Lascelles, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Wilson, Gordon.
HOWAY NEWCASTLE! 👊#MCINEW pic.twitter.com/KVBh1PjlP6
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) March 4, 2023
Prediction: Manchester City 0 – 0 Newcastle United
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