PREVIEW: Newcastle v Man City

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Champions start their new campaign off at St James’ Park this afternoon in what could be a lively encounter against Newcastle who started last season well but fell apart after Christmas.

After the advice yesterday with Man U this column must come with a wealth warning I’m afraid but anyone who saw that coming needs to set up shop in a caravan as a soothsayer on Brighton beach.

Man City scored goals for fun last season but their defence has looked vulnerable in the pre-season warm-ups. So it looks a fairly safe formula to predict plenty of goals this afternoon.

The killer stat for the match is that City are unbeaten in their last 15 Premier League matches (16 in all competitions) against Newcastle, so if you fancy the home win you really are expecting lightning to strike twice after the events at Old Trafford yesterday.

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Maximum 10 games)
Jan 2014 Premier Newcastle 0-2 Man City
Oct 2013 Capital One Cup Newcastle 0-2 Man City
Aug 2013 Premier Man City 4-0 Newcastle
Mar 2013 Premier Man City 4-0 Newcastle
Dec 2012 Premier Newcastle 1-3 Man City
May 2012 Premier Newcastle 0-2 Man City
Nov 2011 Premier Man City 3-1 Newcastle
Dec 2010 Premier Newcastle 1-3 Man City
Oct 2010 Premier Man City 2-1 Newcastle
Jan 2009 Premier Man City 2-1 Newcastle

Newcastle’s recent signing Siem de Jong is out with a foot problem and Pardew is also without Cheick Tiote, Davide Santon and Papiss Cisse are also sidelined.

For the visitors Alvaro Negredo is injured, however Aguero may feature despite lacking match fitness.

For me over 2.5 goals, although short enough at 8/13 still looks the call.

RECOMMENDED BETS (scale of 1-50 points)

BACK OVER 2.5 GOALS for 12 points at around 8/13 with Star Sports

RETURN SINCE START OF WORLD CUP: PROFIT 36.97 POINTS

What’s your view? CALL STAR SPORTS 08000 521 321