Newcastle United return to Premier League action against Manchester City on Saturday, and BBC pundit Chris Sutton expects the Magpies to struggle.
After the disappointment of the Carabao Cup final, Newcastle need to bounce back, and head to the home of the Premier League champions Manchester City.
It is going to be a big ask for Eddie Howe’s side, who are out of form and suffering after the Wembley defeat. But there is no time to feel sorry for ourselves – we must go again and do our best against Pep Guardiola’s side.
It will be an extremely difficult game at the Etihad, but the Magpies can take confidence that they drew with City 3-3 earlier in the season. It was a brilliant performance at St James’ Park, and Howe will know his team need to play at the same level to get anything out of the trip to Manchester.
However, BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton believes it is going to be three consecutive defeats for Newcastle.
Chris Sutton predicts Newcastle to lose against Manchester City
As part of his Premier League predictions for BBC Sport, former Chelsea striker Sutton has stated that he thinks Man City will beat Newcastle 3-1.
“I wouldn’t quite go as far a saying Newcastle are running out of steam, but they are flagging a little bit,” he wrote.
“They weren’t outplayed by Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final, but I thought Erik ten Hag’s side won pretty comfortably.
“I do like the way Magpies boss Eddie Howe sets his team up and they will be awkward opposition at Etihad Stadium, especially with Nick Pope back in goal, but I still think Manchester City will win.”
Big ask for Newcastle on Saturday
It would be an incredible response to last week’s defeat if we are able to get something out of the game at the Etihad. But we face a Man City side that are looking to make up ground in the race for the Premier League title. They will close the gap between themselves and Arsenal to two points if they beat us in Saturday’s early kickoff.
The Etihad is not a good ground for Newcastle. We were beaten 5-0 there last season, and have never won a Premier League game at that stadium. Our only ever win was in the League Cup back in 2014 under Alan Pardew.
Sutton expects Newcastle to lose again this weekend, which would make it three defeats on the spin for Howe – something he has only endured once since becoming Toon manager back in November 2021.
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