Premier League actions are back after a one-week hiatus.
Newcastle United vs Manchester City showdown on Saturday is the first big game in Week 21 that teams at the top half of the table will anticipate as the battle for the top spot gets more intense.
Coach Pep Guardiola's squad struggled in December, but their form is back, stringing up four undefeated games to reach within striking distance of the top of the table.
They are also one game behind, meaning they can get closer to Liverpool's 45 points.
But first, they have to take care of the Magpies, which this season have pulled off surprising results against Premier League giants and Paris St. Germain in the Champions League.
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Kickoff is at 5:30 PM BST on Saturday, January 13, at St. James Park. It will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate.
Newcastle United vs Manchester City Odds and Asian Handicap
The general Newcastle vs Man City prediction out there is victory for last year's treble winners by multiple goals.
Asian Handicap: Newcastle United +1.5, Manchester City -1.5 (2.43)
Spread: Newcastle +1 (-112), Manchester City -1 (-108)
Both teams to score: Yes -1.67, No -2.10
Over/Under: Over 2.5 2.30, Over 1.6
Newcastle United vs Manchester City Preview
Liverpool are in pole position in the Premier League at the end of 2023, but Manchester City are breathing on their neck.
Polls have Guardiola and his troops to repeat their 2023 Premier League title, with their odds at 8/11. Liverpool is at 9/4.
Their recent struggles are a thing of the past as they pulled off four straight wins, two in the Premier League and one each in the FIFA Club World Cup and the FA Cup.
Their good form has much to do with the return of Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku, who even scored in their last game.
They are set to become scarier as Erling Haaland is also set to return.
"Erling is a little better, his bone, so we need to be careful," Guardiola said.
"[He's had] two or three sessions and feels good. Hopefully, [he can play soon but], I don't know for Sunday or for Newcastle."
Manchester City's offense will be deadly again if it is not already one. They scored 17 goals in their last five, and with Haaland back, expect a goal fest.
As for Newcastle, they are just a picture of inconsistency this 2023-2024 season after making the Champions League last year with a Top 4 finish.
They lost four straight matches (three in the Premier League and one in the League Cup), surrendering seven goals in their last two.
However, upsetting favorites is also what the Magpies are capable of. They pulled off one against Manchester City in the League Cup and defeated the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea.
The City game will be difficult for them as the midfield continues to miss key players. Elliot Anderson, Joe Willock, Sandro Tonali, and Callum Wilson are expected to miss the match.
Newcastle United vs Manchester City Prediction
Manchester City will win this game by multiple goals, and they will be the first one to score.
Final score: Newcastle United 1-3 Manchester City
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