Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
In what is a blockbuster FA Cup tie on Saturday night, Newcastle will welcome Manchester City to St. James’ Park.
Newcastle
Starting with the hosts, while Eddie Howe might have found some mounting pressure on his shoulders at St. James’ Park, Newcastle certainly claimed an essential boost earlier in the week. Ending Manchester United’s sensational run of form as they snatched a last-gasp 2-1 victory on Tyneside, the Magpies will be desperate to use that late flurry as a platform to build on. Extending on their Champions League adventure on February 24th as they secured a thrilling 9-3 aggregate victory against Kazakhstan outfit Qarabag, the former Bournemouth boss has seen his squad win five of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. However, Howe will know the importance of finding some crucial defensive stability. Despite collecting a major FA Cup scalp last month as they claimed a 3-1 win away at Aston Villa, Newcastle have failed to record a single clean sheet in any of their last 12 consecutive attempts.
Newcastle Team News
Shown a first-half red card at home against Manchester United on Wednesday night, former Aston Villa starlet Jacob Ramsey will miss out through suspension here. Dealing with a recent hamstring injury, influential skipper Bruno Guimaraes remains on the sidelines.
Likewise, not making a single appearance over the past two month, reported Man City target Valentino Livramento is still dealing with his own respective hamstring issue. With Howe expected to make a handful of alterations here, the likes of Sven Botman and Nick Pope should be handed their own respective recalls.
Manchester City
As for the visitors, watching their Premier League title dreams take a major blow earlier in the week as they eventually had to settle for a 2-2 stalemate at home against relegation scrappers Nottingham Forest, Manchester City will be more than aware that they missed out on a golden opportunity. Watching bitter title rivals Arsenal once again widen their advantage to seven points, Pep Guardiola’s men will be desperately seeking an immediate response here. Nevertheless, punching their spot in the final of this season’s EFL Cup on February 4th as they stormed their way to a dominant 5-1 aggregate victory against Newcastle, the former Barcelona boss will be demanding a repeat statement this weekend. Now facing a major uphill battle in the race to recapture their Premier League crown, City could have some real pressure on their shoulders when they travel to St. James’ Park this weekend.
Manchester City Team News
Missing out against Nottingham Forest in midweek with a reported ankle injury, Manchester City are once again sweating over the fitness of academy graduate Nico O’Reilly here. Likewise, undergoing surgery after suffering a leg fracture over the festive period, Jose Gvardiol will not feature here.
Despite enduring a nightmare return to the Etihad, James Trafford should be handed a rare start between the sticks. With Guardiola expected to make a string of alterations on Tyneside, the likes of Omar Marmoush, John Stones and Nathan Ake should be handed respective recalls.
Newcastle vs Manchester City Key Factors to Consider
- When Newcastle and Manchester City met in the EFL Cup semi-final last month, the Magpies claimed a 5-2 aggregate victory.
- Man City have recorded back-to-back domestic wins away from the Etihad for the first time this calendar year.
- Newcastle have won five of their previous seven appearances across all competitions.
- The Magpies have failed to record a single clean sheet in any of their last 12 consecutive attempts.
- Newcastle have also failed to record a clean sheet in their last seven consecutive domestic matchups at St. James’ Park.
Conclusion
Missing out on what they had billed as a golden opportunity earlier in the week as they eventually had to settle for a 2-2 stalemate at home against relegation scrappers Nottingham Forest, Man City are desperately searching for an immediate boost here. However, despite extending on their EFL Cup adventure last month and booking their ticket to Wembley thanks to a 5-2 aggregate victory, Guardiola’s side should be asked some more stern questions on Saturday night.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
