Newcastle – Manchester City, England Premier League
2004-10-24 16.00 CET
Pick: Newcastle
Stake: 3%
Odds: 1,75
Final reasons
Newcastle is a very strong home side. All teams that goes to S:t James’ Park will have a tough contender since they will be up against a very forceful attack and an enthusiastic crowd. We think that Newcastle will make it three in a row at home by winning against Manchester City. 3% stake is recommended.
General comment about the game
Newcastle will take on Manchester City at home later this afternoon in one of the remaining games in the English Premier League. Newcastle started the season without a win in their first four matches. This was to much for the club so they sacked their manager Bobby Robson and replaced him with Graeme Souness. After that they have started to collect more points; three wins and two draws. They have also played well in the UEFA Cup and has advanced to the group stages. In midweek they played away against Greek side Panionos and won with 1-0 after a late penalty kick from top striker Alan Shearer. Newcastle performs well for the moment, both defensively and upfront. If they can continue with that they will be a contender for top places also this year. They certainly have the players for it. Many thought their defence would suffer after Jonathan Woodgate left for Real Madrid, but they still have some good players in central defence. Robbie Elliott and Andy O'Brien have been outstanding in their last few matches. They also have Titus Bramble and Ronnie Johnsen waiting to get a chance after their respective injuries. Today they will once again be without midfielder Kieron Dyer who is still injured. Otherwise the have no important players missing, meaning that they can continue with an unchanged side. However, it is likely they will make one change from midweek since midfielder Nicky Butt is available again after suspension. Also worth mentioning is that they might have to do without goalkeeper Shay Given since his wife is expected to go into labour any minute. If so, they have a good replacement in Steve Harper.
Manchester City is a real yo-yo team. They mix bad performances with good which make them very unpredictable. Last weekend they made a good one when they won at home against title chasers Chelsea, especially the defence that held the hot shots from London goalless throughout the game. However, this is their only good result against any of the better teams in the league. We do not think they are capable of disturbing Newcastle either. Today they will have to do without midfielder Sun Jihai and fellow midfielder Trevor Sinclair is doubtful. Neither should be of any greater importance since they have other good players in these positions.
Recent league games for home team
|
2004-10-17 |
Charlton-Newcastle |
1-1 |
|
2004-10-03 |
Birmingham-Newcastle |
2-2 |
|
2004-09-25 |
Newcastle-West Bromwich |
3-1 |
|
2004-09-19 |
Southampton-Newcastle |
1-2 |
|
2004-09-11 |
Newcastle-Blackburn |
3-0 |
Recent league games for away team
|
2004-10-16 |
Manchester C-Chelsea |
1-0 |
|
2004-10-02 |
Southampton-Manchester C |
0-0 |
|
2004-09-25 |
Manchester C-Arsenal |
0-1 |
|
2004-09-18 |
Crystal P-Manchester C |
1-2 |
|
2004-09-11 |
Manchester C-Everton |
0-1 |
Home table
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Newcastle |
4 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
8-4 |
7 |
Away table
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Manchester C |
4 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
3-4 |
4 |
Links for this game
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Manchester C: |
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// SportsObserver 041024
