Rafa Benitez will be desperate to see his team improve as they welcome in-form Manchester City to St James’s Park in what promises to be a real festive firecracker. Manchester City have won 17 of their 18 Premier League games this season and have a remarkable 11-point lead at the top of the table – with only half of the season played.
English Premier League – Newcastle United v Manchester City – St James’s Park – Wednesday 27th December 2017 – 19:45 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 18/5 at Coral |
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Newcastle United
Manchester CityNewcastle United
The Toon had a fantastic start to the season but an alarming slump in form has left them in the bottom 3. They are in the midst of a 9 match sequence without a win – something Rafa Benitez needs to rectify quickly. Newcastle are 18th in the table with 15 points from their opening 18 games but only sit one point from safety. Dwight Gayle is the primary goal threat for the Magpies and he’ll be looking to add to his tally of 3 goals for the season against City.
Manchester City
The Blues have been in devastating form of late – their crucial wins over Tottenham and Manchester United have left them 11 points clear of United at the top of the league and they seem to be too strong for most opponents currently. With 56 goals scored and only 12 conceded, their staggering +42 goal difference is setting them apart at the top of the table with Pep Guardiola deservedly getting all the plaudits. Raheem Sterling scored two more goals against Tottenham to take his seasonal tally to 15 in all competitions – the 23 year old’s best ever return in a single campaign already.
Head to Head
Newcastle just edge the head to head record with a 71:65 lead in the fixtures historically with another 39 games between the teams ending as draws.
With Newcastle languishing in the Championship last season, the two teams last met in April 2016 which was a 1-1 draw at St James’s Park, as the Toon drifted towards the drop.
Newcastle United v Manchester City – Odds and Predictions
Manchester City have only conceded 12 goals this season whilst Newcastle have struggled for goals too this campaign.
Both teams to score – NO – looks a well-priced bet at 17/20 with Betway.
Sergio Aguero has scored 10 goals against Newcastle in his career and looks in decent form.
Sergio Aguero to score anytime looks a sure fire winner at 4/7 with Coral.
Manchester City have been in sensational form this season and look unstoppable.
Manchester City to win the game looks decent value at 4/9 with Unibet.
Newcastle have struggled for goals in recent weeks and may not see much of the ball.
Manchester City to win the match to nil looks a sensible bet at 11/10 with Unibet.
Score Prediction
Newcastle 0 – 2 Manchester City – 13/2 with William Hill.
Top Betting Tip Newcastle United v Manchester City
Newcastle will be up for the challenge playing against Manchester City is sure to pose but the Blues should have too much about them here. Manchester City to win the match and Sergio Aguero to score anytime pays a healthy 11/10 with Ladbrokes.