Newcastle vs Manchester City: Premier League Gameweek 12 Prediction & Preview
Match Details
Fixture: Newcastle United vs Manchester City
Competition: Premier League (Gameweek 12, 2025/26 Season)
Venue: St James' Park, Newcastle
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Kick-Off: 17:30 BST (20:30 EAT)
Newcastle vs Manchester City Preview: Title Chasers Visit St James' Park
Newcastle United host Pep Guardiola's side Manchester City in a crucial Premier League clash at St James' Park this Saturday. The Magpies have struggled for consistency this season, sitting in 14th place with just 12 points. Manchester City, meanwhile, occupy second place with 22 points, locked in a fierce title battle with Arsenal.
Man City are fresh off a commanding 3-0 vicory over reigning champions Liverpool fc, Jeremy Doku starred as Manchester City closed the gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal at Etihad Stadium. Erling Haaland opened the scoring in 29th minute header followed by Nico Gonzalez's deflected effort doubled the score before half time. Jeremy Doku sealed the match with a stunning effort in the 63rd minute.The win meant Pep celebrated his 1000 game in management against reigning champions.
Meanwhile Newcastle took early lead against Brentford and went on to lose the game 3-1. Remarkably , Newcastle only had single shot on target showcasing lack of goals, defensive frailty and huge mentality issues especially away from home.
Pep Guardiola's side are heavy favourites despite the intimidating atmosphere of St James' Park, where Newcastle's passionate supporters create one of the Premier League's most challenging environments for visiting teams.
Premier League Standings: The Title Chase vs Mid-Table Struggle
| Team | Position | Points | MP | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Man City | 2nd | 22 Pts | 11 Mp | +15 Gd |
| Newcastle | 14th | 12 Pts | 11 Mp | -3 Gd |
Manchester City trail Arsenal by just four points in the Premier League title race, making this match crucial for maintaining pressure on the league leaders. Newcastle's position represents a significant regression from their top-four finish last season.
Recent Form Analysis: City's Dominance vs Newcastle's Inconsistency
Manchester City have been in exceptional form, winning four of their last five Premier League matches and scoring 23 goals in 11 games. Their average of 2.00 points per game keeps them firmly in title contention.
Newcastle United's inconsistent performances have been their downfall this season. With just 1.09 points per game, Eddie Howe's side have alternated between victories and defeats, unable to build any meaningful momentum.
| Team | Form (Last 5) | Overall PPG |
|---|---|---|
| Man City | W-W-L-W-W | 2.00 |
| Newcastle | W-L-W-L-L | 1.09 |
Head-to-Head Record: Manchester City's Superiority
Manchester City have dominated recent encounters between these sides, including a comprehensive 4-0 victory in their last Premier League meeting in February 2025. Newcastle's only recent success came in the Carabao Cup with a 1-0 win in September 2023.
Newcastle and Manchester City have met 50 times. Newcastle have won 8 matches, City have won 32 matches and 10 matches have ended in a draw. The fixture has produced 152 goals with Newcastle scoring 46 and City scoring 106
Team News & Injury Updates
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola boasts an immensely deep squad heading into this fixture. Erling Haaland, the Premier League's top scorer, is fully fit and expected to lead the line. Key playmakers Rodri and Phil Foden are available after the international break.
Rodri (Knock)- Awaiting fitness assessment
Mateo Kovacic (Ankle) - out till february
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe faces significant selection challenges with several key players sidelined. Defender Tino Livramento remains out with a long-term injury, while Anthony Gordon's availability is in doubt. These absences have contributed significantly to Newcastle's poor defensive record this season.
Harrison Ashby (Thigh )
Yoane Wissa (Fitness)
Tino Livramento ( Knee )
William Osula - ( Details)
Anthony Gordon ( Hip )
Joelinton - Unspecified
Sandro Tonali - fitness
Newcastle vs Manchester City Tactical Analysis
Manchester City's Approach
Guardiola's side will dominate possession, likely exceeding 60% control of the ball. City use intricate passing combinations and fluid positional rotations to dismantle defensive structures. Expect width from Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden to stretch Newcastle's defence, creating space for Erling Haaland in central areas.
Newcastle's Game Plan
Eddie Howe will organize a compact defensive block, looking to frustrate City's build-up play. Newcastle's strategy relies on intense high-pressing in short bursts to win possession, followed by rapid counter-attacks. The St James' Park atmosphere will be weaponized to unsettle City's rhythm.
Key Battle: Newcastle's ability to disrupt City's possession dominance will determine whether they can keep the score respectable.
Key Players to Watch
Manchester City: Erling Haaland
The Norwegian striker has been in devastating form, averaging over two goals per game in his last five appearances. Haaland's movement, finishing ability, and aerial prowess make him the primary threat Newcastle must contain.
Newcastle United: Bruno Guimarães
The Brazilian midfielder is Newcastle's creative heartbeat and defensive shield. Guimarães must disrupt City's passing lanes while launching quick transitions to relieve pressure on his defence.
Probable Starting Line-ups
Manchester City (4-2-3-1)
GK: Donarumma
DEF: Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly
MID: B.Silva(C), N.Gonzalez
FWD: Foden, Cherki, Doku
ST: Haaland
Newcastle United (4-3-3)
GK: Pope
DEF: Trippier, Botman, Thiaw, Burn
MID: Guimarães, Tonali, Willock
FWD: Murphy, Woltemode, Barnes
Newcastle vs Manchester City Final Score Prediction
While St James' Park provides a fortress-like atmosphere that has troubled many elite teams, Manchester City's individual quality and current form make them overwhelming favourites. Newcastle's injury crisis compounds their difficulties against a side scoring freely.
Final Score Prediction: Newcastle 1-3 Manchester City
Despite Newcastle's passionate support, City's superior depth, tactical flexibility, and clinical finishing should secure all three points for the title chasers.
Newcastle vs Manchester City Betting Tips
- Manchester City to Win & Over 2.5 Goals - High confidence given City's attacking prowess
- Erling Haaland Anytime Goalscorer - The Norwegian rarely disappoints
- Manchester City to Score in Both Halves - City's dominance typically leads to consistent goal threat
- Bruno Guimarães to be Carded - Expect physicality in midfield battles
Why This Premier League Match Matters
For Manchester City
This fixture represents a must-win opportunity to maintain pressure on Arsenal in the Premier League title race. Victory at St James' Park would demonstrate City's ability to succeed in hostile environments against determined opposition.
For Newcastle United
Eddie Howe's side desperately need points to arrest their slide down the table. Even a competitive performance in defeat could restore confidence and prevent further deterioration. Newcastle's passionate fanbase demands a spirited display against the champions.
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