- Date: Saturday January 13 – 17.30 GMT
- Location: St James’ Park, Newcastle, United Kingdom
- Teams: Newcastle United vs Manchester City
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Newcastle take on Man City
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe still has a number of players unavailable, however, the injury situation which threatened to derail their season has eased somewhat. They come into the match after a morale boosting 3-0 win at local rivals Sunderland in the FA Cup. Manchester City look to be back to their imperious best after a dip by their high standards. They strolled to a 5-0 win over Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup at the weekend. This fixture last season saw a pulsating 3-3 draw as City showed their quality and their grit, while Newcastle announced themselves as a team who could compete at the top end of the table.
Newcastle United
Newcastle, after initially managing a series of injuries and suspensions really well endured a torrid December. The month started with a win over Manchester United but then a string of losses in the league saw them drop down the table and they suffered exits from the Champions League and the EFL Cup. However, while the performance in their 4-2 defeat at Anfield was still well below their previous standards, it was a slight improvement given the opposition. And while a 3-0 cup win over a Championship side should be classed as a modest achievement for a squad aiming for the European places, the fact that it was a derby means it could be seen as a turning point for Howe’s side. With the likes of Sven Botman, Alexander Isak and Sean Longstaff returning to match fitness, the likes of Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier recovering after looking fatigued, and others set to return this month, there is reason for optimism on Tyneside.
However, United have been hit by a new injury blow. Howe’s side have been left reeling at the news that Joelinton will be out for six weeks with a thigh issue. The Brazilian international has been transformed from an ineffectual striker into a midfield wrecking ball and dangerous wide forward rolled into one and his absence will be keenly felt against City and in the subsequent games he will miss. Lewis Miley, 17, is likely to return to the side and slot into the midfield alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Sean longstaff.
Joe Willock remains sidelined along with Callum Wilson, Matt Targett (both hamstring), Nick Pope, Jacob Murphy (both shoulder), Harvey Barnes (foot), Elliot Anderson (back) and Javi Manquillo (groin).
Manchester City
After dropping a lot of points (by their standards) in November and December, City lost further ground in the title race when their match against Brentford was postponed due to their commitments in the Club World Cup. Since securing the trophy City have looked more like their old selves with wins over Everton and Sheffield United in the league, and Huddersfield in the cup, despite the absence of Erling Haaland. A major boost to Pep Guardiola’s side was the return to fitness of Kevin de Bruyne.
De Bruyne is likely to start on the bench as is Jérémy Doku who is recovering from a hamstring problem. John Stones (ankle) remains out, while Erling Haaland (foot), Manuel Akanji (knee), Bernardo Silva and Kalvin Phillips (both illness) are all doubtful and will face late fitness tests.
Prediction
Newcastle have an excellent home record this season and will be keen to build on the positivity of their win over Sunderland and start to climb the table. However, while the bookies and many pundits expect the Magpies to climb the table and end up in the European places, Saturday may come too soon to get back to winning ways in the league. City will be desperate not to let Liverpool get further away from them and seem to be a little closer to top form then their hosts.
The previous meetings this season saw City win the league clash at the Etihad and Newcastle win at St James’ Park in the EFL Cup. The man who scored the winner that night, Isak, is back to form after injury and City will have to be mindful of this. They will have a little too much for Newcastle on the night. Away win. However, given Newcastle’s strength at home punters may want to go double chance on City.
St James' Park, Newcastle
Odds correct as of 08/01/24 at 09:00. Odds subject to change.
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