Manchester City face a tough test of their title defence as Pep Guardiola’s Citizens host Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium.
Victory would return City to the Premier League summit with a three-point lead over Liverpool in the title race, whereas Newcastle can go 10th with a win.
Team News
Kyle Walker could again start for Man City after safely coming through Wednesday’s Champions League exit at Real Madrid with no after-effects from his recent ankle injury.
John Stones (muscle) is also doubtful but Benjamin Mendy (personal) remains absent.
Newcastle could be without Fabian Schar after the Swiss defender suffered a foot injury in last weekend’s loss to Liverpool.
Kieran Trippier (foot) and Callum Wilson (calf) could also feature if declared fit but Jamal Lewis (groin), Ryan Fraser (hamstring) and Isaac Hayden (knee) remain absent.
Stat Attack
- Man City are unbeaten in their last five league meetings against Newcastle (W4, D1).
- Newcastle are winless in their last 17 Premier League visits to Man City (D2, L15).
- City have scored seven goals without conceding in their last two home matches against Newcastle (W2).
- Gabriel Jesus has scored five goals in his last two starts for City at home in the Premier League.
- Allan Saint-Maximin has been booked in each of Newcastle’s last two away matches in the Premier League.
Prediction
Following Wednesday’s late defensive collapse at Real Madrid just moments from a second consecutive Champions League final, it is sort of hard to predict where City will be mentally coming into this match but if they play like they did at Leeds then they will certainly be favourites for the win.
Pep Guardiola’s squad can also take motivation from their fierce home form against Newcastle to spur them on to put the title into their own hands with three matches left, although they can’t be written off if they concede first given their quality anyway.
Newcastle meanwhile delivered a strong display in their defeat to Liverpool because they pressed hard and made life very difficult for the Reds, yet just lacked the quality end product when got on the attack despite threatening well in the build-up which just needs finessing here.
Do that then Newcastle could well believe that they can spring a surprise if City are off-colour, otherwise I can see just one result coming if City are in a reactive mood after midweek.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-0 Newcastle United
Result: Manchester City 5-0 Newcastle United
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