Premier League: Familiar Foes Go at it Again

Manchester City vs Newcastle United

If they are not already, this Premier League duo will likely be sick and tired of each other by the time the next few weeks have been played out.

That’s because this weekend will see them lock horns for the fourth time in three months, while they have also been paired together in the fifth round of the FA Cup next month.

For now, though, the focus is solely on Premier League 2026 highlights.

 

Talking Points

City go into this contest with a spring in their step. Arsenal’s late slip-up against Wolves in midweek means Pep Guardiola’s men can close the gap at the top to two points on Saturday night. Things can change quickly, of course.

It was less than a fortnight ago when the Gunners looked to have opened up a nine-point advantage at the summit before City produced a brilliant late comeback to win at Liverpool.

They also have the advantage of having a week off in the build-up to this one.

Star frontman Erling Haaland missed the FA Cup win over Salford with a minor niggle last weekend but should be fit to lead the line.

They do, though, have a fine replacement in Omar Marmoush, who has scored five goals in his two home games against Newcastle, netting a hat-trick in this corresponding fixture last term, as well as a brace in the recent League Cup semi-final, which City won 5-1 on aggregate. That result was a blow for Newcastle, who, as holders, were looking to return to Wembley.

Yet that dream remains alive after they secured a fine win at 10-man Aston Villa in the FA Cup last Saturday.

They will have to do it the hard way, mind as influential skipper Bruno Guimaraes is out for a while with a hamstring injury, joining the likes of Tino Livramento (thigh) and Fabian Schar (ankle) on the sidelines.

Sven Botman (back) and Yoane Wissa (knock) are among those who will be assessed after missing the midweek win over the minnows of Qarabag – another meaningless fixture in a ridiculous Champions League format.

There is better news for the Magpies with Joelinton making a welcome return in that fixture, after six games out with a groin problem, and the Brazilian is likely to be on the bench again, or could even replace Joe Willock in the first XI to partner Sandro Tonali in central midfield.

 

History

City have won nine of the last 12 league meetings, but not this season. Newcastle beat them 2-1 on Tyneside in November when Harvey Barnes scored twice, so he will be looking to become the first Newcastle player since Alan Shearer in 2004-05 to score home and away against the Citizens in the same top-flight campaign.

City avenged that defeat a few weeks ago with victory in both legs of their League Cup semi-final.

Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki scored in a 2-0 first-leg win on Tyneside before Marmoush’s double and Tijjani Reijnders were on target in a second-leg 3-1 success. Anthony Elanga netted the Toon consolation.

The two league meetings last season saw an Anthony Gordon penalty cancel out Josko Gvardiol’s opener in a 1-1 draw on Tyneside. The return game did go the way of City, 4-0 winners at the Etihad Stadium, in which then new boy Marmoush grabbed a hat-trick and was joined on the scoresheet by James McAtee.

Overall, Newcastle have beaten City 74 times, eight behind their 81 victories, while there have been a further 42 draws. You have to go back to September 2000 for the last time Newcastle beat City on their own turf in any competition.

A quarter of a century ago, City were playing at their former stadium, Maine Road, when Alan Shearer scored the only goal of the game, and the home side ended up being relegated at the end of the campaign.

 

Betting Tip

I think City will be fresher, will have renewed title momentum, and will be much too strong for Newcastle, who have not been the best of travellers this term.

The SBOTOP Premier League 2026 betting odds concur and back the home side 1X2 @ 1.44 and Asian Handicap -1.50 @ 2.29. Newcastle, by contrast, are priced 1X2 @ 5.30 and Asian Handicap +1.00 @ 2.17. The draw is on offer @ 4.46.

A second 3-1 home City success over the Geordies will pay out @ 10.00 with Correct Score and that has tempted me. I am, though, going for City to succeed and lead at both the break and at the final whistle.

   

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