Manchester City vs Newcastle United Tips
Manchester City and Newcastle United started their Premier League seasons in great fashion. The Citizens beat newcomers Burnley 3-0 away while the Toon destroyed Aston Villa at home in a thrilling 5-1 win. And in the next round, the Premier League title holders will be hosting nouveau riche Newcastle at the Etihad, with the kick off scheduled for August 19 at 8:00 pm BST.
After going all out in the opening game, we expect the two teams to adopt a more conservative approach in Saturday’s match, similar to the way they played last season. This will be reflected in our Manchester City vs Newcastle United tips.
Both teams to score and result – No, Man City win
Newcastle did put 5 past Aston Villa last weekend, but we do not expect them to be able to replicate even a fraction of that success against the Citizens. Pep Guardiola continues using a formation with four centre-backs in the starting lineup, which is the formula that brought him the treble last season and allowed his team to finish the league with the least goals conceded (33). And unlike in the game against Aston Villa, the Magpies will struggle to hold possession and will only hope to hit City on the counter or from set-pieces.
All in all, we expect Man City to beat Newcastle while keeping a clean sheet in a match similar to their 2-0 win against the Toon from April.
The odds are quite high on this outcome, though, with Bet365 giving 2.75 on the event.
Under 2.5 goals
There was one team that matched City’s record of 33 goals conceded last term – Newcastle United. Especially in the big matches, the Magpies’ coach Eddie Howe preferred a defensive set-up with a focus on intensity and positional rigidity. We should not expect the Englishman to suddenly go against these principles in the game at Etihad.
Man City, on their best day, are capable of putting more than three goals against any team. However, the Citizens had a midweek game – the UEFA Super Cup tie against Sevilla all the way in Greece on August 16 which they only managed to win on penalties following a 1-1 draw. Pep Guardiola’s squad will have just two days of rest ahead of their Newcastle encounter, so the key players may not be in optimal condition.
Judging by Bet365’s 1.73 odds on under 2.5 goals in the game, the bookies do not expect a goal bonanza either.
Erling Haaland to score anytime
After his 36 goals in 35 league appearances and 52 goals in 53 total appearances last season, it should be no surprise seeing Erling Haaland on our Manchester City vs Newcastle United tips. The Norwegian striker has started the 2023/24 Premier League campaign in style as well, as he scored twice in City’s visit to Turf Moor.
For the tips above it is clear that we expect a fairly dull game this weekend, but if there is a player who will end up on the scoreboard, Haaland is definitely the one with the biggest chances! Erling has one goal in two appearances against Newcastle, a record he will definitely look to improve in the upcoming match.
With 1.91 odds from Bet365, the bookies consider Haaland the main threat to Nick Pope’s goal too.
In the end, remember to always gamble responsibly and regard our tips as merely suggestions rather than a guid to action.