“It’ll be a really tough game” - Alan Shearer predicts result of Newcastle United vs Manchester City
Football pundit Alan Shearer has predicted a draw in Manchester City's upcoming Premier League clash against Newcastle United on Saturday, September 28. The Citizens will travel to St. James' Park to face Eddie Howe's men in an early Saturday kick-off.
Both teams have had a relatively good start to the ongoing 2024-25 Premier League campaign, with three points separating them after five games. Meanwhile, football pundit and ex-Newcastle United player Shearer expects to see fireworks at St. James' Park this weekend when the two teams face off.
While in conversation with Metro (via Football365) he said:
“Over the years, we’ve seen some blockbuster games between Newcastle and City at St Jame’s Park, and I’m expecting the same again for a couple of reasons. Newcastle’s cup game has been cancelled so they have a free week in terms of no midweek football. Man City on the other hand will go into the game without Rodri. Having said that, Man City can still hurt you with the players they have.
Shearer continued:
“It’ll be a really tough game. City will still be favourites for the title and favourites for this game but it’ll be a really good atmosphere and Newcastle will have to feed off that.
“When you’re as poor as they were against Fulham, you have a right of response and they have to respond in the right way because, prior to last week, without playing well they were getting results, so the match against Fulham was a bit of an eye opener and a reminder to who and what Newcastle are.
“So many games last year and the year before, Newcastle’s identity was about pressing teams, being aggressive, putting teams under huge pressure with energy and determination and we haven’t seen that yet this season so they have to get that back into their game. If they can do that on Saturday then it’ll be really tough for Man City. I’m going to go for a draw.”
A look at Manchester City and Newcastle United's form heading into the game
Both sides will want to get back to winning ways when they face off in a crunch Premier League fixture at the St James' Park Stadium.
Manchester City dropped points for the first time this season against Arsenal, playing out a hard-fought 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium. Newcastle United, on the other hand, lost their last game away to Fulham by a 3-1 scoreline.
So far, both teams have played five games each, with City winning four and drawing one to pick up 13 points. Pep Guardiola's men also sit top of the league standings heading into the game against the Magpies this weekend.
Eddie Howe's men, on the other hand, have picked up 10 points from their opening five PL games, winning three, drawing one, and losing one. They currently sit sixth on the league table, just three points adrift of table toppers Manchester City.