Newcastle – Manchester City
St. James’ Park
Saturday 13:30
Newcastle didn’t impress in any of their first four matches this season but still managed to collect 10 points from the first 12 available. The club hasn’t had a better start to a season in 29 years, so there was naturally no reason to complain. Expectations were that things would only improve. The Magpies won 6-0 in total across three matches against Fulham last season and were favorites again before their trip to Craven Cottage last weekend. However, Eddie Howe and Newcastle didn’t have luck on their side this time, as they hadn’t really had in the first four games either. Within just over 20 minutes, the visitors were trailing 0-2 in the capital, and Harvey Barnes’ goal shortly after halftime wasn’t enough to salvage any points. Matt Targett, Lewis Miley, Sven Botman, and Jamaal Lascelles are injured, while Alexander Isak is doubtful. They are unbeaten at home since they last faced City in January.
Manchester City remains at the top of the Premier League table, but they only narrowly avoided defeat at home against Arsenal last weekend. Settling for a draw was far from the biggest disappointment, though. Much more serious was the fact that the world’s best midfielder had to leave the field due to injury. This week it was confirmed that Rodri has torn the ACL in his right knee, and he will most likely miss the rest of the season. In addition to Rodri, Oscar Bobb and Nathan Ake are injured, while Kevin de Bruyne remains doubtful. City has lost only one of their last 33 league games against Newcastle.
Play of the day
City has scored in each of their last 31 league matches against the Magpies, the longest such streak in Premier League history. Naturally, this makes a bet on goals tempting again this time. We’re going for over 2.5 goals.
