Man City v Newcastle

Man City are chasing down Arsenal who have slipped up again. Pep’s men can reduce the gap to just two points with a win, can they do it?

Man City v Newcastle – Etihad 21:00 CET

Team News:

The home side are without Kovacic, Gvardiol and Doku.  Erling Haaland was a slight doubt but has been passed fit.

Newcastle are without Guimaeres, Livramento, Wissa, Schar and Kraft.  Good news though as Joelinton and Sven Botman return.

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Formations:

4-2-3-1 but which is more of a 4-1-3-2 with Semanyo or Marmoush playing alongside or not far off Haaland. City have morphed their formation to counter the low block.

4-3-3 for Newcastle but they seem to merge into a 4-2-3-1 at times. Out and out pace up front and on the wings but against City they will have to defend.

Statistics:

Referee: Thomas Bramall (Average cards 3.30 Yellow 0.08 Red)

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Match Preview:

City arrive in strong form, unbeaten in seven matches and winning six of those. Already through to the Carabao Cup final, they remain active in the FA Cup and Champions League while continuing their pursuit of Arsenal at the top of the table. Their home record is the best in the league, with 10 wins from 13. With a full week until their next fixture, they can commit their complete focus to this match.

Newcastle face the added challenge of jet lag after their 5,000km round trip to Azerbaijan in midweek. They comfortably dispatched Qarabag, as expected, but now return to Premier League action sitting 10th in the table, just eight points off the Champions League places. Their away form, however, has been poor, with only three wins on the road all season.

Betting Preview:

Manchester City look the clear favourites here. The teams have met three times already this season, with City winning twice and Newcastle once. But with Newcastle arriving fatigued from a long European trip and City fully focused, a home victory feels the most likely outcome.