Premier League: Manchester City set for Newcastle test

St James’ Park has proved a challenging ground for Manchester City over the last couple of seasons and Pep Guardiola will know his side will have to be near their best to overcome Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday.

Having fought for a 2-2 draw in their last Premier League outing against fellow title contenders Arsenal, City should be battle-hardened ahead of a tough trip to the north east.

. What: Newcastle v Man City
. Where: St James’ Park, Newcastle
. When: 21:30 (AEST), Saturday 28th September
. How to watch: Optus Sport
. Odds: Newcastle 5.25, Draw 4.33, Man City 1.60

St James’ Park has proven tricky for Manchester City

Looking back over the last couple of seasons, St James’ Park has not been the happiest of hunting grounds for Guardiola’s City.

In the 2022/23 season City and Newcastle played out a thrilling 3-3 draw, with the Cityzens coming from 3-1 down to claim a point on the road.

Moving on to last season, the Magpies beat City 1-0 in the EFL Cup thanks to a 53rd-minute goal from Swedish striker Alexander Isak.

City did get their revenge in the Premier League on their last visit but it required a 90th-minute goal from Norwegian star Oscar Bobb to secure a 3-2 victory.

Many teams have found St James’ Park a tough place to play and City, who are 1.60 to claim the three points on Saturday, are no different.

The task has been made even more difficult following the news star midfielder Rodri is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Rodri, who is one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or this year, suffered a serious knee injury in the early stages of the stalemate with the Gunners and could be out for the remainder of the season.

With Kevin de Bruyne also expected to miss the trip to Newcastle, Saturday’s challenge has become even greater for the reigning Premier League champions.

Howe seeking Newcastle response

Newcastle were going well in the Premier League with back-to-back wins over Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers but slumped to a 3-1 defeat at Fulham last time out.

Back in the home comforts of St James’ Park, the Magpies are undefeated in their last 10 league games on their own patch.

Winning their first two home games in the Premier League this term against Southampton and Tottenham, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will be hoping his side’s form at St James’ Park can land them a top-four finish this season.

Newcastle are 5.25 to claim the three points against City this weekend, while the hosts are 2.30 in the double chance market.

Looking to potential goalscorers on Saturday, Erling Haaland is 1.72 to score anytime, having already scored 10 goals in five Premier League games this season.

Haaland is 3.75 to score the opening goal of the game, while fellow Scandinavia Isak is 3.20 in the anytime goalscorer market.