Game Week 12 Predictions: City to edge Newcastle at St. James's Park

Newcastle vs Man City Preview: Haaland-fit City in monster mood visit shaky Magpies at St James’. Team news, key battles & verdict.

It will be the battle of the Number 9s at St. James's Park on Saturday, who will come to the party, Nick Woltemade or Erling Haaland? (Photo credit: Opta)

 Newcastle vs Manchester City

St James’s Park

6:30pm

This is no doubt the stellar game of Saturday, and, save for the North London Derby on Sunday, this is the fixture to look forward to this weekend.

You know what to expect from Manchester City whenever Erling Haaland is fit and available, but you have no idea what to expect from Newcastle United. There’s been so much noise about how much stronger the Magpies are at home, but if the table were to be on home form alone, Newcastle would be 17th.

Manchester City is in that monster mood as declared by Pep Guardiola on Friday. He says the league is about to get serious, and his team will be there; the Spaniard is sending strong messages to Arsenal – we’re in for a treat.

Newcastle were pathetic the last time out at Brentford, losing 3-1 and also finishing the game with ten men after Dan Burn was shown the red card. You must question Eddie Howe for the sending off because he could have replaced Dan Burn after he got away with a bookable offence while on a yellow.

For the Citizens, they blew Liverpool away, and it was necessary. Take it back to last season when Liverpool beat Pep Guardiola’s side home and away, with Liverpool fans mocking Guardiola for his poor form. It was an important win for City two weeks ago, and now, they seek to build on it.

Newcastle can rely on their community crowd; they no longer have Alexander Isak, but with Nick Woltemade pulling strings, they can hope to hurt City’s defence. Both sides need the result, but who wants it more? You think this one will come down to tiny margins; it should be fun to watch.

Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento could be involved if they pass a late fitness test, but Eddie Howe had good news about Sandro Tonali and Nick Pope, as both players would be fit for this one. The home side is still without Yoan Wissa, whom we heard has suffered a setback in his recovery.

Guardiola confirms that everyone is fit and available apart from Rodri and Mateo Kovačić, which means the Spaniard has a rich pool to pick players from. You already know it’s still going to be about Erling Haaland. Will Newcastle give him the room to flourish again?

Verdict: Manchester City to win.