EPL Soccer: Newcastle United vs. Manchester City:
Week 6 of the English Premier League kicks off on Saturday, September 28, with a matchup between sixth-place Newcastle United and a Manchester City team that clings to the top of the table.
How to Watch Newcastle United vs. Manchester City
Where: USA
When: Saturday 7:30 a.m. ET
Newcastle United vs. Manchester City Odds
Newcastle United +394 // Manchester City -162
Total: 3.5 (+117/-147)
Last weekend saw an epic battle between the two title favorites, Manchester City and Arsenal. There were four goals, including a last-second equalizer, one red card, wild accusations and a fair bit of name-calling. After the dust settled, the prices for the two clubs to win the title remained unaltered.
Amid all that, City’s midfield lynchpin Rodri went off injured. On Monday, it was revealed he may miss the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament injury, and his side’s title odds went from -112 to +135. That shows what a massive blow it is and how influential a player he is for Pep Guardiola.
Even if the transfer window was open, they cannot buy any players while there is so much uncertainty over the club due to being charged with more than 100 breaches of competition rules. Their squad, which not long ago was the best in world soccer, now looks bare and exposed to any injuries to key players.
Which brings me to their game this weekend, the one that kicks off match day six of the Premier League away at Newcastle. The home side are big value at +420.
I’ve been looking at ways to oppose Manchester City all week and was very close to playing Newcastle on the Moneyline. The only thing putting me off was the performance Eddie Howe’s men put in at Fulham last weekend, which was so poor.
But that was on the road and the Geordies are a different beast when playing on home soil. A rocking St James Park is one of, if not the toughest place to go in the Premier League, as proven by the fact they have played two won two there this season.
That has extended their unbeaten run at home to 10 games. You must go back to January for the last time they tasted defeat there which was by a 3-2 score to Manchester City, courtesy of a goal in added-on time at the end of the 90.
The fact this is the early kickoff on Saturday adds more jeopardy for the champions who played in midweek, a narrow 2-1 home win over Championship side Watford, while Newcastle rested. There is also the matter of an away trip in Europe early next week as Pep’s men play Slovan Bratislava in Slovakia on Tuesday.
Last weekend saw Manchester City struggle to break down the 10-men of Arsenal which is so unlike them. It took until the last seconds of added-on time to grab the equalizer, and that coming from a set piece.
Phil Foden looks a shadow of the player that won the Premier League Player of the Season and PFA Players’ Player of the Year last term. So right now, it is all about Erling Haaland. Stop the goal machine and you are likely to stop City.
Newcastle has the players to hurt the visitors, and with their passionate support roaring them on as always, they can get something from this game. Therefore, although I couldn’t quite take them Moneyline, I am happy to play the Newcastle win or tie double chance which still comes in at +130.
It’s been a tough week for Manchester City, and it could get tougher. They know that and I think they would certainly be content to take a point away from the Nort East.
EPL Best Bet: Newcastle United vs Manchester City – Newcastle or Tie Double Chance at +130.
