Newcastle United look to move eight points clear of the relegation zone as they welcome Manchester City to St James’ Park.
A win will lift the Magpies up to ninth whilst Man City can temporarily go second with victory.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesFlorian Lejeune could return for Newcastle after a seven month layoff with a serious knee injury, having failed to prove his fitness ahead of Monday’s defeat at Aston Villa.
DeAndre Yedlin is a doubt after picking up a hip injury but will be handed a late fitness test.
Jamaal Lascelles (leg) and Matt Ritchie (ankle) are still ruled out for the foreseeable future.
Man City have no fresh injury concerns with Sergio Aguero ruled out for at least their next four matches.
Aymeric Laporte, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Leroy Sane are all still absent with serious knee injuries.
Form
Monday’s defeat ended a three game unbeaten run for Newcastle although they’re unbeaten in their last five home league outings (W2, D3).
Man City drew 1-1 with Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League in midweek to make it one defeat from their last eight matches in all competitions.
Stat Attack
- Newcastle have taken just four points from their last five league meetings with Manchester City (W1, D1, L3).
- Both meetings last season finished 2-1 to the home team, of which Newcastle came from behind in both games to level the score at 1-1 before eventually losing away then winning at home.
- Newcastle last did the calendar year double over Man City back in 2003, in which they scored five without conceding.
- No Man City player is yet to make a last man tackle this season in the league.
- All four of Newcastle’s headed goals this season have come from defenders.
Prediction
This is a real chance for Newcastle to once again trouble the big boys because Monday aside, they have played some of their best football of the season this month despite defensive issues.
That aspect will have to improve here though because Man City were dominant against Chelsea last Saturday and will take chances from around the box if needed, which means that man marking is crucial if Newcastle want a point from this game.
I therefore am going for a draw because Newcastle will make life tough for City and with midweek games in mind, I think the Citizens would settle for a point given that they’re without Aguero.
Prediction: Newcastle United 1-1 Manchester City
Result: Newcastle United 2-2 Manchester City