Manchester City will look for three points at St James' Park on Saturday evening as they continue their Premier League title defence.
The Citizens trail league-leaders Liverpool by five points, but will fancy their chances of overcoming an injury-plagued Newcastle in their 5.30pm meeting.
- Phil Foden first goalscorer
- Over 2.5 goals
- Man City to win 3-1
Foden Can Bamboozle Toon
The twinkle toes of Phil Foden were too much for Huddersfield's defenders in the FA Cup last Sunday – the England international opened the scoring and completed a brace in the second half – and Newcastle could suffer the same fate at St James' Park on Saturday.
Foden is a 23-year-old of enormous potential. Many football followers believe he can develop into a world superstar and 2024 may be the moment the youngster steps up a gear. He has already scored 11 goals for his team this season.
With Erling Haaland struggling for full fitness, the onus has fallen on the likes of Foden to take up the goalscoring responsibility. Regardless of whether Haaland is healthy enough to take his place in the team at Newcastle, Foden looks set to play just off the frontman, ready to torment the home defence.
Attacking Intent Puts Goals On The Menu
Newcastle are languishing mid-table and it has been a frustrating Premier League campaign for their increasingly expectant followers. A draw is not good enough for the home side given their current plight, so Eddie Howe seems likely to send his charges out with attacking intent.
If Howe sets up his team in positive fashion, a goalfest could be on the cards. Newcastle are suffering badly with injuries and could have as many as 10 players missing for the contest. Goalkeeper Nick Pope is crocked, so Martin Dubravka is set to continue between the sticks.
Newcastle have been decimated by injuries in midfield – the area of the pitch where City will expect to dominate. Expect Pep Guardiola's side to overwhelm their hosts in midfield and pepper shots on Dubravka's goal.
Confident City Getting Back To Best
Newcastle suffered a 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest in their last home match – and a repeat scoreline could be coming against Manchester City.
Howe has been struggling for numbers and is desperate for players to recover fitness. The FA Cup victory over local rivals Sunderland was a boost to morale, but it was probably just papering over the cracks of their Premier League problems.
Sandro Tonali's suspension is an ongoing headache for Howe. Guardiola, in contrast, has been getting some key players back. Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku have regained fitness and City could be set for a comfortable St James' success.
De Bruyne's return has electrified the City dressing room and the treble winners should be set for a strong few months. Expect Foden and De Bruyne to both play a part in toppling the Toon.
MAN CITY TO WIN 3-1 CORRECT SCORE
