Newcastle United vs Manchester City
Date: 29/01/2019
K/O: 20:00
Venue: St James’ Park
TV: BT Sport 1
Referee: Paul Tierney
Newcastle United welcome the reigning champions Manchester City to St James’ Park on Tuesday night as they look to bounce back after defeat to fellow Premier League members, Watford in the FA Cup 4th round. Benitez’s side have picked up a solitary win in their last six league outings and sit only two points clear of the drop zone.
As for the Citizens, they have found their form at the right time and have been on somewhat of a rampage recently, having scored 28 goals without reply in their last six outings. They progressed in both domestic cups last week having brushed aside Burton on a double-digit aggregate score and then cruising past Burnley in a 5-0 drubbing.
In the reverse fixture at the Etihad, Newcastle frustrated City for large spells of the game, with Martin Dubravka pulling off a stunning triple save to keep Newcastle well and truly in the tie. A Kyle Walker shot from distance proved to be the undoing of a very resolute Newcastle backline that match and the game finished 2-1 to the defending champions.
This time around, the circumstances are well and truly different. Manchester City have suffered defeat only three times in their last 33 away fixtures in the league, scoring more than twice in six of their last seven (home and away). Newcastle, by stark contrast, have failed to score in each of their last three home Premier League matches and could find themselves back in the relegation zone depending on results around them.
The narrative strongly favours Manchester City to emerge with three points, and pressurise Liverpool who play Leicester at Anfield on Wednesday night.
Team News
Newcastle United
Yoshinori Muto’s Japan reached the final of the Asia Cup with a 3-0 victory over Iran, meaning the striker is set to spend a little more time on international duty. Benitez also confirmed the absence of Joselu due to injury, with Shelvey, Diame and Ki joining the Spaniard on the treatment table. Jordan Lukaku’s loan move hasn’t materialised, at least not in time for the City game so he will not be available.
Manchester City
Benjamin Mendy nears a return but is not expected to feature against Newcastle. Vincent Kompany has been ruled out injured, and speculation strengthens about him not being offered a new contract owing to his recurring injury concerns. The rest of the squad will be available for selection.
Predicted Starting XIs
Newcastle United (5-4-1): Dubravka; Yedlin, Lejeune, Schar, Lascelles, Ritchie; Ayoze, Hayden, Longstaff, Atsu; Rondon
Manchester City (3-5-2): Ederson; Walker, Stones, Laporte; Sterling, Bernardo Silva, Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Sane; Aguero, Jesus
Score Prediction: Newcastle United 0 Manchester City 2
Games against Newcastle haven’t exactly been smooth sailing for City in more recent history, and I believe Guardiola will pick an ultra-attacking lineup to combat Benitez’s defensive wall. City steamrolled Burnley a few days ago whilst barely getting out of second gear, but I believe Newcastle will offer a more stern examination. Despite that, City’s class will shine through, and Newcastle will simply be too suffocated for chances on the break for them to be able to breach Ederson’s goal.
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