Chris Sutton and Paul Merson have both predicted the outcome of Manchester City’s next Premier League fixture and they are in agreement on which team will emerge triumphant.
Manchester City are the favourites to defeat Newcastle United on Saturday and it is not surprising considering the current state of affairs in the Premier League table.
Pep Guardiola is pushing for his seventh league title and a victory on Saturday would certainly boost the chances of him sealing this feat.
Pundits Chris Sutton and Paul Merson have both made their predictions ahead of the game and they are in agreement as to which side will take all three points.
Chris Sutton expects Man City to win decisively
For Sutton, the mystery surrounding this fixture is not about which team will win, but whether Erling Haaland will start for Manchester City.
The former Blackburn Rovers striker does not expect City will easily beat Newcastle, but he is expecting a clear-cut victory without too much of a struggle.
He told BBC Sport: “This is the fourth meeting between these two clubs already this season, with another to come soon in the FA Cup fifth round – I bet they are sick of each other already.
“Newcastle have a long trip back from Azerbaijan to contend with before this game but at least they have put their Champions League tie with Qarabag to bed already and can focus fully on City rather than next week’s second leg.
“The Magpies still have an awful record at Etihad, however – they lost here in the Carabao Cup in January and have never managed a win in 20 visits in the Premier League.”
Sutton added: “I don’t think this will be easy for City, but I do think they will beat them, again, to move within two points of Arsenal.
“The only thing I am not sure about is whether to captain Erling Haaland in my Fantasy team, because he has been out injured.”
Sutton’s prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Newcastle United
Paul Merson is also backing Man City
Sutton is confident in Manchester City and he is not alone. Paul Merson has also backed them to take three points, although he anticipates a less convincing scoreline.
He told Sportskeeda: “Newcastle beating Qarabag 6-1 in the Champions League ensures that they will play a strong team against Manchester City. When you look at Newcastle’s fixtures, they have the best run to try and get in to the Champions League next season.
“In addition to Manchester City and Arsenal, Newcastle also face Chelsea and Manchester United during their run-in till the end of the season. When you are chasing teams, it’s best you play them. Newcastle can get points and deny the same to their closest competitors.”
Speaking on City, Merson continued: “Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo pick themselves in that City line-up at the moment. I expect Pep Guardiola to pick Phil Foden to complete the front-three in this game, with Rayan Cherki coming off the bench.
“Rodri is not back to his best, but he knows how to play his role more than anyone. If you want to become a top defensive midfielder, just watch him play. He does all the simple things right on a consistent basis and that is incredibly hard to do. I expect Rodri to play a crucial role from now until the end of the season.
“With Marc Guehi in the back four now, Rodri doesn’t have to protect City’s defence that much now. I have a feeling Guehi might just be the reason why City catch Arsenal in the title race!
“Expecting a crucial win for City to put real pressure on Arsenal ahead of their derby against Tottenham.”
Merson’s prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Newcastle United
