Sunday 17/08/2014, 17:00, English Premier League, Round 1, Newcastle vs Manchester City
Newcastle vs Manchester City Preview
Manchester City won the domestic championship once again in dramatic fashion, after Liverpool suffered a late-season meltdown. Despite holding a significant advantage, they lost back-to-back games, allowing the reigning champions to close the gap separating them and win in the final round. In order to replicate that performance, Manchester City need to start on the right foot and the first challenge is to win on the road at Newcastle.
Newcastle vs Manchester City Odds
Newcastle 5.35, Draw 4.20, Manchester City 1.70
Newcastle vs Manchester City Tips
The hosts are plagued by injuries, with no fewer than four players being unable to play in the opening match against the reigning champions. Dummett so a red card in the last Premier League match and as a result won't be playing tonight, further aggravating their defensive struggles.
At least on paper, Newcastle has a decently strong starting formation, with plenty of quality strikers and manager Pardew has nine to choose from. Ben Arfa and Tiote are expected to play in the midfield this afternoon, with both of them being known for their uncanny ability of supporting the strikers.
Playing against Manchester City is difficult on many levels, because regardless of where the match takes place, these guys aim for a comfortable victory. They didn't do too well in the International Champions Cup and are winless in the last three games, but even so managed to score 4 goals over that span. They also won by five goals to one against AC Milan with Jovetic scoring twice and he's expected to play today
The biggest concern for the visiting team is the recent inability to keep clean sheets, despite having one of the best backlines in the Premier League. Last season, they had the best home record and won 10 times on the road, but even so they allowed 24 goals in 19 games.
Key Facts
- Manchester City has a single absentee, with Negredo mending an injury, while the hosts will be without 14 key players.
- Newcastle has the better head to head record, but Manchester City won the last 10 games between these two teams.
Newcastle vs Manchester City Prediction
Manchester City has been absolutely dominant when pit against Newcastle and they are very likely to expand their winning streak this afternoon. Odds of 1.70 for a victory on the road is not exactly tremendous value, but good enough to justify such a wager. Pinnacle Sports offers the best odds right now, but as kickoff draws near, they are very likely to sink to lower values.
Bet: Manchester City @ 1.70 with Pinnacle Sports
