Can Aguero inflict more misery on Rafa?

Alan Shearer and Michael Owen featured in the last Newcastle United team to beat Manchester City in the Premier League. That was over 13 years ago in September 2005. 

It’s fair to say the Magpies have a task-and-a-half on their hands to end that run tonight. Pep Guardiola’s men have scored 28 without reply in their last six matches in all competitions.

Can Rafael Benitez’s men cause an upset at St James’ Park? Or will the Cityzens close the gap on league leaders Liverpool? We’ve previewed tonight’s Premier League clash.

Match Odds

There’s no underestimating the task facing Newcastle. The Magpies have picked up three points out of a possible 24 at home against the Premier League’s top half this term.

Our traders have them down at 16/1 to double that tally, with 6/1 about the draw.

City have emerged victorious on six of their last seven top-flight trips to Tyneside. They’re 2/11 to make that seven in eight, and 20/23 to Win to Nil for the seventh match in a row.

Talking Tactics

It’s difficult to see how Newcastle can stop such a rampant City side. But Benitez will have a good go with a bank of five at the back sat behind a bank of four in midfield.

Salomon Rondon will provide the outlet up-front, with the lively Christian Atsu and Ayoze Perez assisting the Venezuelan on the break. Local lad Sean Longstaff should retain his midfield place.

On the flip side, Guardiola has an embarrassment of attacking riches to choose from. Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero appear most likely to get the nod going forward.

There’s no need to waste words on just how devastating the trio can be, although it is worth noting who they may target specifically.

United have looked shaky on the flanks of late. That’s unlikely to change with Matt Ritchie continuing to deputise at left-back, while DeAndre Yedlin will get the nod on the other side.

Goalscorer Odds

Aguero must have grown up hating Byker Grove, because he seems to love inflicting pain on the Geordie Nation.

The Argentine has netted 13 in 12 top-flight matches against the Magpies and is 10/11 Anytime. We also go 13/5 about him to Score 2 or More or 12/1 for a third hat-trick against Newcastle.

Sterling and Sane are both available at even-money, while Rondon holds United’s best hope at 10/3. That puts him ahead of Joselu, who is next best at 7/2.

Match Info

Where: St. James’ Park.

When: 8pm

How to watch: BT Sport 1

Click here for the latest Newcastle United v Manchester City odds.

All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication