Newcastle United are the underdogs against Manchester City this weekend.
The Magpies welcome Pep Guardiola’s side to St James’ Park on Saturday, with Newcastle United looking to bounce back from their defeat to Fulham.
That will be challenging against the Premier League champions, but Manchester City will be without Rodri. That could give Newcastle a lift, as the only time the Magpies have beaten Man City during the 28-year-old’s time in England was when he did not play.
However, the Magpies could also be without a key player. Alexander Isak is a doubt to face Manchester City, with the 25-year-old still suffering from a toe injury.
That could make it even more difficult for Newcastle to triumph over Man City, in a fixture that has not brought them much joy over the years. The last time the Magpies beat Man City in the Premier League was January 2019, when Rafa Benitez was in charge on Tyneside.
Alan Shearer predicts Newcastle United vs Manchester City
It would be amazing to beat Man City, but it is difficult to envision given their quality and the way Eddie Howe’s side have started the season.
Paul Merson has tipped Newcastle to lose against Manchester City, as has Chris Sutton.
However, Toon legend Alan Shearer is much more optimistic. He has previewed the game for Metro UK, and believes it will be a draw at St James’ Park.
“Over the years, we’ve seen some blockbuster games between Newcastle and City at St James’ Park, and I’m expecting the same again for a couple of reasons,” he said.
“Newcastle’s cup game has been cancelled so they have a free week in terms of no midweek football. Man City on the other hand will go into the game without Rodri. Having said that, Man City can still hurt you with the players they have.
“It’ll be a really tough game. City will still be favourites for the title and favourites for this game but it’ll be a really good atmosphere and Newcastle will have to feed off that.
“When you’re as poor as they were against Fulham, you have a right of response and they have to respond in the right way because, prior to last week, without playing well they were getting results, so the match against Fulham was a bit of an eye opener and a reminder to who and what Newcastle are.
“So many games last year and the year before, Newcastle’s identity was about pressing teams, being aggressive, putting teams under huge pressure with energy and determination and we haven’t seen that yet this season so they have to get that back into their game. If they can do that on Saturday then it’ll be really tough for Man City.
“I’m going to go for a draw.”
Newcastle know how to hurt Manchester City
As Shearer says, there have been some brilliant games between Newcastle and Manchester City at St James’ Park.
In recent years, the Magpies have found a way to hurt Guardiola’s side, and it has resulted in some thrilling contests.
Even last season when Newcastle were not playing well, they had a real go against the champions. Man City won 3-2 when the sides met in January, with Oscar Bobb scoring a stoppage time winner.
But Newcastle were in front for a large part of that game, with Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon’s pace causing real problems.
Howe knows he has the players to do that again, and he will be eager for his side to involve the crowd as much as possible. The Toon Army give Newcastle United an advantage at home, and it is something Howe will be keen to make use of.
Given the Magpies’ recent form, a draw would be a great result. That is what Shearer is predicting – although he was never going to bet against the team he supports!
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