The Premier League returns with a blockbuster clash at St James’ Park as Newcastle United host reigning champions Manchester City on Saturday, November 22. The Magpies enter the weekend sitting 14th in the table, while Pep Guardiola’s side are second and chasing Arsenal at the top. This fixture has often produced drama and goals, and with both sides boasting attacking talent, another entertaining encounter is expected on Tyneside.

Newcastle United’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Newcastle United come into this match looking to bounce back after consecutive 3-1 defeats to Brentford and West Ham before the international break. Despite taking the lead in both games, Eddie Howe’s men failed to hold on, a worrying trend considering they have now lost three matches this season after scoring first – as many as in the previous two campaigns combined. The Magpies’ inconsistency has left them with a record of three wins, three draws, and five losses in the Premier League, averaging one goal scored and 1.3 conceded per game.

However, St James’ Park remains a stronghold. Newcastle have won their last five home matches in all competitions, and their only league defeats on home soil this season came against Arsenal and Liverpool. They have scored in 22 of their last 23 home games and have not drawn any of their last 15 league fixtures at home. In fact, they have led at half time in four consecutive home matches, showing their ability to start strongly in front of their fans.

In terms of personnel, Nick Pope and Joelinton are doubts after picking up injuries against Brentford, while Dan Burn is suspended following his red card in that match. On a more positive note, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon returned to training during the week and could feature. The team’s main attacking threat remains Nick Woltemade, who has scored four of Newcastle’s league goals this season and impressed on international duty with Germany, netting three times in two matches.

Manchester City’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Manchester City travel north in excellent form after a commanding 3-0 victory over Liverpool before the international break, a result that reduced the gap to league leaders Arsenal to just four points. The Citizens have won four of their last five matches across all competitions, scoring an average of 2.6 goals per game while conceding just 0.8. Their season record stands at seven wins, one draw, and three losses, with the best defensive record among the top sides and the most goals scored in the division (23).

Although City’s attacking numbers are impressive, only seven of those 23 goals have come away from home, and four were scored in a single match against Wolves. Nevertheless, Guardiola’s men have been dominant in first halves, winning nine of their last eleven away matches at the break. They have also avoided defeat at half time in 29 of their last 32 games overall, underlining their consistency and control.

All eyes will once again be on Erling Haaland, who is just one goal away from reaching 100 in the Premier League. The Norwegian striker has already scored 19 goals in 15 appearances across all competitions this season and recently netted twice in under two minutes for Norway against Italy. Supporting him is Jeremy Doku, who dazzled against Liverpool and continued his fine form with a brace for Belgium during the international break. In midfield, Rodri remains a doubt due to fitness issues, while Mateo Kovacic is sidelined with an ankle injury, meaning Nico Gonzalez is expected to anchor the midfield once again.

Newcastle United vs Manchester City Prediction and Tactical Overview

Historically, this fixture has been one-sided. Newcastle have managed just one win in their last 35 league meetings with Manchester City (D6 L28), and Eddie Howe has never beaten the Citizens as a manager (D2 L16). The visitors have scored in each of their last 33 league encounters with the Magpies, including a 4-0 victory in February 2025. City’s attacking depth and Newcastle’s defensive vulnerabilities suggest another high-scoring affair could be on the cards.

Newcastle’s home form and attacking intent mean they are unlikely to sit back, but that could leave space for City’s quick transitions and clinical finishing. The Magpies’ tendency to concede after taking the lead is a concern, especially against a side that thrives on exploiting defensive lapses. With Haaland and Doku in top form, and Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings, the visitors will look to dominate possession and create chances from wide areas.

For Newcastle, much will depend on whether Tonali and Gordon can provide the creativity and energy needed to challenge City’s midfield. If they can start brightly and harness the energy of the St James’ Park crowd, they could make life difficult for the champions. However, City’s superior quality and recent momentum make them favourites to take all three points.

Probable Lineups Newcastle United vs Manchester City

NEWCASTLE UNITED (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schär, Botman, Hall; Tonali, Guimarães, Longstaff; Almirón, Woltemade, Gordon. Coach: E. Howe

MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Walker, Dias, Gvardiol, Ake; Gonzalez, Silva; Doku, Foden, De Bruyne; Haaland. Coach: P. Guardiola

BetMines Prediction

The most likely outcome is Over 2.5 goals with a 63% probability. Both teams have shown attacking intent in recent weeks, and with Manchester City’s firepower and Newcastle’s strong home record, goals are expected at St James’ Park.