Newcastle vs Man City – EFL Cup Third Round Insight

St. James’ Park is primed to be the stage of a fully-charged match on Wednesday night, as Newcastle United lock horns with Manchester City in the EFL Cup’s third round. The home side had an excellent start to the 2023-24 Premier League with a 5-1 victory over Aston Villa but are still searching for the magic of last season’s Champions League qualifying form. The fixtures after that initial win have been full of inconsistency. However, the Magpies are soaring high after overwhelming Sheffield United 8-0 recently, and they will be keen to bring that same energy into this midweek clash.

In stark contrast, Manchester City has been in imperious form. The Cityzens have sealed victories in all their six encounters and boast the tightest defence, maintaining a flawless record in the Premier League. The usual City win is not as easy as it seems in this midweek clash. Our Stakers’s football betting specialists explain why.

Key Takeaways

• Anticipated Even Matchup: City are favourites, yet Newcastle’s form and the Cityzens’ packed calendar suggest a closely-fought, unpredictable EFL Cup showdown.
• Magpies’ Offensive Prowess: Newcastle’s astonishing 8-0 victory over Sheffield United showcases their lethal attacking form entering the City clash.
• Foden’s Rising Role: De Bruyne’s absence paves the way for Phil Foden, who faces positional challenges but remains a potential match influencer.

Team News

Newcastle United continue to miss the services of Joe Willock and Joelinton as both remain on the sidelines. A significant blow to the Magpies’ plans is the possible absence of recent signing Harvey Barnes. After a premature exit against Sheffield United – just 12 minutes into the game due to a troubling toe issue – Barnes’ participation against City remains doubtful.

On the other hand, Manchester City’s injury list is somewhat extended. Due to various issues, Kevin De Bruyne, Mateo Kovacic, John Stones, and Bernardo Silva won’t be seen in action. Rodri is also set to begin his three-match ban, starting with the clash against Newcastle.
This scenario might pave the way for Kalvin Phillips, who’s been out of the limelight recently, to step up and catch the sharp eye of Pep Guardiola.

Match Details

Stakers Insight

While Manchester City’s formidable home record might suggest they are the clear favourites, Newcastle United’s recent form hints that this clash could be a potential stumbling block for Guardiola’s group. Following their midweek European engagement, City might face fatigue, and Newcastle’s show against Sheffield United underscores the Magpies’ potential to cause an upset.

It might be worth approaching this match cautiously when considering the outright result. A safer bet could lie in backing both teams to score – a market popular on some of the major online bookmakers at teh moment. Despite their dominance, City has had their defence breached in two of their three outings this season, against Arsenal and Sevilla. On the other hand, Newcastle’s offensive prowess was evident in their Villa and Sheffield United rout. Though Newcastle faced defeat at City’s home ground last season, they were not short of opportunities and even held the Cityzens to a 3-3 thriller at St James’ Park in another encounter.

All Eyes on Phil for a Goal or Two

Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak often emerge as prime goal contenders, but we want to discuss another player. With Kevin De Bruyne sidelined until December, many eyes are now turning to young prodigy Phil Foden, expecting him to rise and fill the void. However, finding his most effective position on the pitch presents a challenge. While many pundits and fans argue that Foden excels most in the No.10 role, Guardiola often seems hesitant to deploy him centrally. Julian Alvarez’s blossoming partnership with Erling Haaland adds another layer to this puzzle, often pushing Foden to the wings.

And the flanks are no walk in the park either. Foden finds himself in fierce competition for those positions with standout players like Silva, Jack Grealish, and the rising star, Jeremy Doku. Given Guardiola’s inclination for rotating his attackers, ensuring consistent game time for Foden becomes even more intricate. Still, his recent form provides hope. After finding the net against Nottingham Forest in their previous game, signs point to Foden retaining his spot in the starting lineup, whether as a winger or in a more central role.

• Both Teams to Score: A clearcut winner might be a tricky call here, so both teams to find the net looks a more likely opportunity.
• Over 2.5 Goals: We have two teams who play attacking football looking to progress in the cup, so goals are to be expected.
• Phil Foden to Score: The EFL Cup game is the perfect chance for Foden to revitalise his season and get his name back in the starting eleven.

Our Final Thoughts

The Newcastle vs. Man City EFL Cup clash promises fireworks. While City’s unbeaten run is commendable, Newcastle’s recent 8-0 demolition of Sheffield United cannot be overlooked. With key players missing for both teams, it’s a golden opportunity for emerging talents to make their mark.