Manchester City vs Newcastle Predictions

• Newcastle have won once in their last five
• City have won seven of their last eight at home
• Newcastle have seen BTTS land in all but one of their last eight

Newcastle’s last shot

After an incredible 2022/23 campaign that brought a top four finish and a cup final, Newcastle have had a tougher time this season. Their Champions League return had an early end and with the club 10th in the Premier League with 10 games to go, they are unlikely to have any European trips next season.

The Magpies have been unable to put together the consistency needed for a top six finish and Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Man City represents their last shot of success this season. Their only hope of a Wembley return and potential silverware is on the line at the Etihad, against a side they eliminated from the Carabao Cup earlier this term.

However, this City side have hit top gear in the second half of the campaign yet again, meaning Newcastle are up against it.

City on a roll

City haven’t lost across all competitions since early December, picking up the Club World Cup since then while keeping their hopes of another treble alive. The Citizens are unbeaten in 21 games and they’ve won 12 of 14 matches in 2024. The European champions head into this clash having won seven of their last eight at the Etihad, which justifies their short price to win this one within 90 minutes.

The hosts are also going up against a Newcastle side who have one once across their last five. The visitors have been beaten in visits to Chelsea and Arsenal across their last two away games in the Premier League, shipping seven goals. Defensively, Eddie Howe’s side are some way short of their great record last term, which is forcing them to be more attack-minded.

Newcastle have seen both teams score in seven of their last eight games and more goals should follow on Saturday. City come into this one having seen both teams score in each of their last four, so back Newcastle to score in another defeat.

Alvarez to fire hosts to victory

The return of Erling Haaland and some big performances from Phil Foden have been key to City kicking on in the second-half of the season. However, it was Julian Alvarez who largely got them through the first half of the campaign and the Argentine remains a real goal threat despite being overshadowed.

The forward scored and assisted in City’s win over Copenhagen last week and he has 14 goals across all competitions this season. He proved the difference when these two met at the Etihad earlier this term, so back the forward to find the net in another City victory.