Manchester City vs Newcastle: Match preview, betting tips and predictions

Gabriel Jesus will miss the visit of Newcastle to the Etihad after testing positive to Coronavirus. (Photo credit: Premierleague.com)

Manchester City vs Newcastle
Etihad Stadium
9:00pm

Manchester City are beginning to find their groove, they have been without color this season and have dropped points in games many awarded points to them before kickoff, but they have to be better.

Newcastle have enjoyed rainy days as well as sunshine this season.

They sit 12^th on the log, three points away from the top ten, more of the same and they won’t have to be introduced to the relegation dogfight.

Manchester City bested Arsenal at the Emirates on Wednesday, but that wasn’t a piece of news that would be used as a measure of their potency considering the state Arsenal are at the moment.

But what would gladden Pep Guardiola is a return to fitness and to form for Sergio Aguero.

Jonjo Shelvey and Ritchie in action for Newcastle

The Citizens would be without Gabriel Jesus when they host the Toon Armies after the Brazilian tested positive to Coronavirus.

They will also sweat on the availability of Kyle Walker who would have to undergo tests to confirm his status as well.

Newcastle were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Fulham, they followed that up with a shambolic 0-1 reverse in the Carabao cup to Brentford.

A result that means Steve Bruce is now under intense pressure to deliver but a strong showing here can turn things around for him.

If you remember that Slaven Bilic was fired at Hawthorns after picking a precious point at the Etihad, Bruce will not want to think about losing heavily.

Newcastle will line up to defend despite having the right materials to take the game to the Citizens.

They can actually ruffle feathers with the pace and finish of Callum Wilson, especially with the return to form of Ryan Fraser, it is now down to the manager to decide if he wants to attack or sit deep.

Manchester City will rely on the magic of Kevin De Bruyne, although one can’t put it past Pep Guardiola to rotate his team.

But on paper, whichever eleven he throws on to the pitch should be able to do the job without breaking too many sweats.

The 2-2 draw, where Kevin De Bruyne and Jonjo Shelvey scored screamers of note would come to mind but a point in this game only favors the visitors, Guardiola can’t expect less than maximum points.

The Citizens sit 8^th on the table but a win in their outstanding game could take them up to 4^th.

Their slim win over Southampton, last weekend was enough but they are better than what they have shown so far this season.