Premier League: Will Manchester City Recover in Time?

Manchester City vs Newcastle United

Manchester City welcome Newcastle United for a Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

That sounds like a great fixture to enjoy whether you are a Sky Blue, a Magpie, or a neutral. But the nature of this game has changed beyond recognition as Manchester City have just suffered a huge shock this week which could easily knock them off their stride.

Moving into injury time at the Santiago Bernabeu in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, the Sky Blues were two goals to the good but they somehow lost the match and their long awaited shot at European glory has been cruelly ripped from their grasp much to the amusement of Manchester United and Liverpool fans.

Yes, the Premier League 2022 betting odds still back the Sky Blues to win a fourth domestic crown in five years and, in the most exciting campaign in years, they still have a point lead over Liverpool.

However, the big question is: do City have the nerve to see this one out?

Talking Points

City back on safer ground

At a SBOTOP price of 1.16 on the Sky Blues to win, the markets have great faith in Manchester City recovering to keep their control of the Premier League race and they should be happy to be back home after their horrific experience in Madrid.

With three wins and a draw against Liverpool in their last four league games at the Etihad while scoring 14 goals in the process, they have been free-flowing in front of their own fans and that is how they need to respond.

But the psychological damage of conceding two goals in injury time after Real Madrid had failed to register a shot on target in 90 minutes was too much for the Sky Blues players to cope with on the night and it was almost inevitable that Karim Benzema would complete the turnaround in extra time.

Pep Guardiola had already taken off his best player Kevin De Bruyne before the Blancos’ fight back started and I’ll be amazed if he doesn’t start against the Geordies.

And now is the time for last year’s marquee signing in Jack Grealish to show whether or not he has a future with the league champions if his manager gives him the chance.

Newcastle players are playing for contracts

Dan Burn is determined to help Newcastle United in their upcoming Premier League clash against Manchester City — Newcastle United’s Dan Burn in action against Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah during a Premier League match at St James’ Park

What an exciting time it is to be a Newcastle United fan. The takeover of the club by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund has turned the Magpies into the richest club in the Premier League and they will soon be challenging for domestic and European honours no doubt.

Since head coach Eddie Howe spent £100-M in the January transfer window, he has transformed the team from relegation certainties to a strong mid-table outfit. And with Premier League status confirmed, the club can now look to the future with confidence.

Whether the long-term future includes Howe remains to be seen, but he and his players have a big incentive to keep on performing as points and positions might well mean an extended stay at St. James’ Park.

Allan Saint Maximin has scored five goals and made four assists and has been a shining light at St. James’ Park over the past two campaigns, while Joelinton’s improved performance of four goals in 32 games probably won’t be enough to persuade the new owners.

In defence, Dan Burn has performed impressively in his first 13 games and he has another chance to show what he can do against one of the most dangerous attacks in world football.

History

Manchester City have had much the better of the head-to-heads with Newcastle in the Premier League.

And while they haven’t had it all their own way with 29 wins, nine losses, and eight draws, the Sky Blues have won the last five encounters – scoring 17 goals and conceding three.

The return match resulted in a 4-0 drubbing for the Magpies as Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, Riyad Mahrez, and Raheem Sterling all hit the mark. But that was before the world changed forever in Newcastle.

We cannot split the teams in terms of recent form as they have both lost one, won four, and then lost another one of the last six games in all competitions.