Premier League pundits Chris Sutton and Paul Merson have issued their predictions ahead of Newcastle’s Saturay night trip to the Etihad.
Despite claiming that he thinks Newcastle will cause City a ‘lot of problems’ and is ‘expecting a really good game’, Sutton has backed the home side to win 3-1, feeling ‘we’re good’, but ‘not THAT good’ ahead of arguably the toughest away trip in world football.
Merson has also gone for a City win – a more narrow victory with a 2-1 score line – and believes that we will certainly ‘have a go’, but will be unable to overcome one of the most dominant Premier League teams of all time.
Here’s what both had to say, starting with Sutton’s prediction for the BBC:
Newcastle threw a lot at City at the start of last season when they drew 3-3 at St James’ Park and I think they will cause them lots of problems this time too.
City have not been near their very best so far this season, but still beat Burnley and overcame Sevilla on penalties to win the UEFA Super Cup.
Eddie Howe’s side will ask very different questions to both of those sides and I am expecting another really good game.
I was tempted to go with a draw here because City played in midweek, but they are at home and they should come out on top, just about. Newcastle are good, but they are not that good…
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Newcastle United.
Paul Merson’s prediction via Sportskeeda:
‘This season is the real test for Newcastle United. They were incredible against Aston Villa and the Magpies will have a go at City but Pep Guardiola and co. are just too good right now.
Kevin De Bruyne is a big player for City and his absence is going to have a telling effect on them. It’ll no doubt be a major blow for them. It will be interesting to see how Haaland performs in his absence
Erling Haaland is a goalscorer. He doesn’t mess about. He just wants to get into the box and score goals much like Ruud van Nistelrooy during his time at Manchester United. People won’t be worried if he can keep scoring goals.
I don’t think he’s going to have much trouble scoring a lot of goals the way he is going. Despite everything that Newcastle will throw at them, City should be able to brave this challenge particularly since the game is happening at the Etihad.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Newcastle United
