Two of last season’s top four clubs collide as Manchester City host Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium.
Victory could see Man City go top of the table, whilst Newcastle can remain at the summit with a win depending upon results elsewhere.
Team News
Bernardo Silva is a doubt for Man City as he recovers from illness which forced him to miss their UEFA Super Cup triumph against Sevilla in midweek.
Kevin De Bruyne is ruled out for four months with a hamstring injury suffered during their opening win at Burnley last weekend.
Ruben Dias (concussion) could face a late fitness test but John Stones (muscle) is sidelined for this match.
Newcastle have no fresh injury concerns to report following their dominant opening win against Aston Villa.
Emil Krafth (knee), Javier Manquillo (groin) and Joe Willock (hamstring) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Man City host Newcastle at 8pm BST on Saturday 19 August at Etihad Stadium, live on TNT Sport in UK.
Stat Attack
- Man City are unbeaten in their last eight league meetings against Newcastle (W6, D2).
- Newcastle are winless in their last 19 visits to Man City dating back to August 2002 (D2, L17).
- City’s Bernardo Silva has scored in each of his last two appearances against Newcastle (W1, D1).
- Man City have scored first in eight of their last nine home matches (W9), only failing to do so in a comeback 4-1 win over Liverpool in April.
- Newcastle have lost just one of their last seven away matches (W4, D2, L1).
Prediction
After a dominant display to kick off the season with a win at Burnley last weekend, Man City seemed slightly lacklustre in their UEFA Super Cup triumph over Sevilla – having needed penalties to prevail after lacking end product in another dominant display.
Pep Guardiola will therefore expect a serious response but after losing De Bruyne to a serious injury amidst Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez’s exits, it isn’t slightly surprising that the midfield is still finding its fresh attacking spark without key regulars.
Newcastle on the other hand outclassed Aston Villa with a ruthless victory where their intensity, movement and press proved too much for the Villains’ defence, whilst Sandro Tonali in particular have already consolidated himself within this team with his creativity.
Man City however have imperious home form over Newcastle coming into this game but if they play like they did in midweek, I wouldn’t be surprised if Newcastle spring a surprise if Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes are once again at their creative best.
City however aren’t champions for no reasons so I do expect them to cause serious issues and a draw might well be a fair outcome if both teams are at their best.
Prediction: Manchester City 1-1 Newcastle
Result: Manchester City 1-0 Newcastle
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