Newcastle to frustrate Man City in a tight contest
Newcastle United welcome current Premier League champions Manchester City to St James' Park on Sunday afternoon for an early test of how far they've come on the pitch since their takeover last year by the Saudi PIF. Probably the richest two clubs in England, neither of whom have been beaten in their first two matches, will clash to round off the third gameweek. Read our preview here:
A one-way Tripp
Though it has actually been a frustrating summer transfer window for Eddie Howe and his recruitment team, one thing that has changed in recent matches (carried over from last season) has been a tightening of the defence. Nick Pope has kept successive clean sheets and a hat-trick of shut-outs would represent a massive coup for him personally and the club as a whole. The England international, nominally second or third choice under Gareth Southgate, has been in inspired form since making the switch from relegated Burnley, as has the back four in front of him. Kieran Trippier is always a menace from set pieces, but combines that with plenty of stamina down the right flank. Sven Botman could be the left-sided stopper if Matt Targett fails his fitness test, and plenty of the focus is bound to be on their collective stoicism and how they can counter with the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almirón driving at the opponents with pace and width.
King Kev
Erling Haaland didn't manage to follow up his debut brace with another against AFC Bournemouth, but did prove just how effective he could be at bringing others into play with his strength and vision. Kevin De Bruyne, already a complete midfielder, looks to have forged an early rapport with the Norwegian hitman, and their relationship will be huge for Pep Guardiola this season, especially in the higher stakes of the Champions League. Aymeric Laporte will miss out altogether with a knee injury, which could mean an unchanged XI for the Blues. Rodri will keep the shape of the midfield three whilst İlkay Gündoğan makes late runs in support of the front three and De Bruyne attempts to pull the hosts' defence out of shape.
Betting tip
betway have odds of 5.25 for a draw that is far from out of the question.
