Newcastle United will really turn heads if they can get a result against Manchester City on Saturday.
The Magpies begin the weekend top of the league, and head to the home of the champions for an 8pm kickoff. The scheduling of the game has angered Pep Guardiola, whose side played on Wednesday night in the UEFA Super Cup.
Their limited time to prepare could give Newcastle an advantage, although most are tipping Man City to come out on top. That is no surprise – we are absolutely the underdogs going into this game.
But Eddie Howe’s side will be full of confidence after beating Aston Villa 5-1, and showed last season that they can hurt Man City. We played very well in both fixtures and created a lot of opportunities.
There will hopefully be a lot of chances for Newcastle on Saturday night, and it will be up to Howe’s players to take them.
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Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov thinks they will, and believes they will return to Tyneside with at least a point.
Dimitar Berbatov predicts Newcastle will draw with Manchester City
Berbatov has predicted this weekend’s Premier League games for the Metro, and believes Man City vs Newcastle will be a 2-2 draw.
“This is a big game,” he wrote.
“People don’t give Newcastle much credit. The team is flying. Man City won’t underestimate them but I’m feeling like we could see a surprise in this one and I’ll go for a draw.”
A Bold but not outlandish prediction from Berbatov
If you offered any Newcastle United fan a draw right now they would snap your hand off. It would be an excellent point, taking the Magpies’ tally to four.
Obviously a win is what we really want, but we have to be realistic. Coming home with another point on the board would be an outstanding result, up against the side that won the treble last season.
Berbatov is right that Man City will not underestimate Newcastle. Jack Grealish has already spoke about it being a massive game.
But they are a team that will give up chances if you play the right way, so it will be up to Newcastle to pick their moments and hopefully reap the rewards.
The Bulgarian who idolised Alan Shearer is eyeing a shock result for Newcastle – here’s hoping he’s right.