Manchester City Can Close Gap on Arsenal as Newcastle Visit the Etihad

Manchester City can move within two points of leaders Arsenal with victory over Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium, after Arsenal’s 2–2 draw with Wolves tightened the title race ahead of a decisive weekend.

City’s recent defensive solidity has strengthened their position. They have conceded just eight goals in their last 12 Premier League matches, keeping six clean sheets, and remain the league’s strongest home side. Although Newcastle won the reverse league fixture 2–1 in November, City have responded with two cup victories, and the Magpies’ record at the Etihad remains poor six straight league defeats there without scoring and no wins in 20 visits. That is the most a team has played at a venue without ever picking up three points in Premier League history.

That consistency has driven their title challenge. City have scored 12 goals in their last five matches and boast the strongest home record in the league, with Erling Haaland’s 22 goals leading the scoring charts and Rayan Cherki providing a major creative outlet.

Newcastle arrive with momentum. Their 6–1 Champions League win over Qarabag extended their recent scoring run to 14 goals in five matches, while three consecutive away wins in all competitions have revived confidence following defeat to Brentford. Eddie Howe’s side also claimed a 2–1 victory in the reverse fixture and are attempting to complete their first league double over City since 1955–56.

Yet their away record against top sides remains poor. Newcastle are winless in 10 league visits to top-half opposition and have not won away against a team starting the day in the top two since 2001. Their record at the Etihad is worse still, with 20 league visits producing no wins and 18 defeats. Despite sitting 10th, Newcastle rank sixth for expected goals, reflecting attacking strength but inconsistency in results.

With Arsenal facing Tottenham next, City have the chance to increase the pressure at the top, while Newcastle must overcome history to strengthen their European ambitions.

Team News

City remain without Joško Gvardiol and Mateo Kovačić through injury, while Jérémy Doku and Savinho will be assessed. Erling Haaland is expected to return after missing the FA Cup win as a precaution, and Max Alleyne will also be checked after coming off injured in that match.

Newcastle are without Bruno Guimarães, Tino Livramento, Fabian Schär and Emil Krafth. Lewis Miley, Sven Botman and Yoane Wissa face late fitness tests, while Joelinton returned from injury as a substitute in midweek and could feature.