Newcastle United’s away form has improved in recent weeks, but Alan Shearer lacks confidence in his former club ahead of their clash against Manchester City.
The highly anticipated day has arrived which will see Manchester City go to battle against Newcastle and the stakes are as high as ever.
Victory for the hosts would mean moving within just two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal, who must travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend.
Man City are very much the favourites to emerge victorious today and even Newcastle legend Alan Shearer is predicting them to walk away with three points.
Alan Shearer predicts Manchester City win for three reasons
Shearer would love to be able to back his old team, but he believes there is no other option than to call a Man City victory.
According to the ex-striker, there are three reasons why Pep Guardiola’s side will get the better of Newcastle and keep their league title hopes alive.
He told Betfair: “Well, it’s going to be a minimum of five games that Newcastle play Man City this season, it could even be six, depending on what happens in the Champions League if Newcastle were to get through the round of 16 as well as Man City, then they could meet each other again, but five times guaranteed with the draw in the FA Cup.
“I mean, with Newcastle’s form at the Etihad, it’d take a brave man to predict anything other than a Man City win. As much as it hurts me, probably because of that, Man City.
“Newcastle are going to be full of confidence off the back of three straight away wins. But it hasn’t helped that Man City have had a free week and Newcastle had a long journey on a Wednesday when they’re playing on a Saturday night. So, yeah, it’s a big ask for Newcastle, but they’re in good form away from home.”
Newcastle’s congested fixture list is not Shearer’s only concern. He also fears their record at the Etihad Stadium could play a factor, despite the fact they are now winning matches on the road.
“I just look at their record at Manchester City and it’s dreadful. So, it’d take a brave man to predict anything other than a City win,” Shearer continued.
Finally, the former Newcastle man expects City to get the win because it is required in order to keep up with Arsenal.
He added: “City will be raring to go for this. I mean, there’s no doubt that they would have watched the Arsenal game. Pep would have watched the Arsenal game and now they’ve now got to go and put the pressure back on.
“They play before Arsenal this weekend again, so, it’s their turn to put the pressure back onto Arsenal for their game on Sunday.”
How to watch Man City vs Newcastle
Manchester City will take on Newcastle at 8pm UK time on Saturday, February 21, making it the final Premier League fixture on the day.
The match will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and Discovery+ for those watching in the United Kingdom.
