Manchester City will aim to round off a successful week when they welcome Newcastle to the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday night.
The Citizens opened up their title defence with a resounding 3-0 victory over Burnley last Friday and they followed that by lifting the UEFA Super Cup for the first time after overcoming Sevilla on penalties in Greece on Wednesday.
Pep Guardiola's side now face a quick turnaround following those European exploits and are likely to face a stern test against Newcastle, who opened their season with a 5-1 thrashing of much-fancied Aston Villa.
Newcastle will also benefit from having a full week to prepare for this fixture, but the Etihad has not been a happy hunting ground for the Magpies.
- Man City to win and over 2.5 goals
- Cole Palmer to score anytime
- Joelinton to be carded
City Can Outgun Rivals
There are usually two things guaranteed when City and Newcastle lock horns, a win for Pep Guardiola's side and plenty of goals.
City have won seven of the last eight meetings, scoring at least twice on each occasion, while they have never lost a league match at the Etihad Stadium against Saturday's visitors.
Newcastle's only win at the venue came in the League Cup in 2014, with their last league success away to City coming by virtue of a 1-0 victory at Maine Road in September 2000 - Alan Shearer scored the only goal for Sir Bobby Robson's side that day.
Eddie Howe's side did score three in a 3-3 draw with City at St James' Park last season and Newcastle can contribute to what could be a Saturday night goal fest, but if they are looking to fight fire with fire against the Citizens, they are likely to come unstuck.
CITY TO WIN AND OVER 2.5 GOALS
Palmer's Strong Start To Continue
It has been an eye-catching start to the season for City youngster Cole Palmer, who netted in the Community Shield before grabbing a second-half equaliser in the UEFA Super Cup during the week.
The 21-year-old appears to be seizing his chance in City's first team and he is likely to continue to receive opportunities following the departures of Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan and the injury suffered by Kevin De Bruyne.
Palmer was handed his first start of the season against Sevilla and he will hope to keep his place for Saturday, but even if he doesn't, he could still have a major role to play from the bench.
Joelinton Could Go In The Book
Newcastle picked up four yellow cards during their Premier League opener against Aston Villa, but perhaps surprisingly, combative midfielder Joelinton was not one of them.
The Brazil international is no stranger to the referee's notebook, as he was cautioned 12 times in the league last season, with only Fulham's Joao Palhinha (14) picking up more.
Two of those yellows came in Newcastle's matches against City last season and, given Joelinton will be trying to contain players such as Palmer, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden for much of the contest, it is easy to see the 27-year-old feeling the wrath of the referee once again.
