Newcastle vs Man City Boost

Becoming increasingly integral to Manchester City, especially with De Bruyne out for the first half of the year, Phil Foden has contributed 11 goals and assists in his 19 PL games this season.

The Englishman’s production is in line with Julian Alvarez’ 11 goals created with the pair trailing Erling Haaland’s 18 G+A.

With 5 goals and 6 assists, Foden is outperforming his xG (4.3) and his xA (4.0). Showing his ability to create and score with clinical precision.

Foden has been involved in scoring or creating a goal in each of the last 3 league games and will fancy himself to contribute against Newcastle given their recent defensive woes.

Newcastle have conceded in each of their last 6 PL games. Away from they are really poor, allowing 2+ goals in 6 of the last 7 road games.

Last time these sides met City won 1-0 at the Ettihad thanks to Julian Alvarez’ goal… with an assist courtesy of Phil Foden.

Foden was also instrumental in the 2-0 win last season, opening the scoring.

Walter will be in the middle of City’s play, he’s in hot form and has shown that he can handle the challenge posed by Newcastle’s defense.

This game looks to be set up in City’s favour. Newcastle are suffering from injuries, their form is poor, so this should be there for the taking for the reigning European Champions.

Enter Rodri, who will be at the heart of everything for Guardiola’s side. Not only will he dictate play, but he’ll break it up as well.

That’s a hugely important trait against a Newcastle midfield that will look to break forward on home soil, and that’s especially the case if City find themselves defending a lead.

Rodri commits 1.59 fouls P/90, with at least 1 in 6 of his last 8 in all competitions, and has 7 cards to his name, more than any other player in the Man City squad.

It’s the nature of those fouls that stand out as well. He’ll stop counter attacks, and is often the sole protector of the back 4, so no wonder he often gets booked for a cynical foul to relieve pressure.

As mentioned above, the Newcastle midfield will run, and run, and run, and they’re liable to cause Rodri problems on the counter.

Guimaraes and Longstaff combine for 4.45 fouls drawn P/90, and the Spaniard committed 2 against these opponents back in August. With that in mind, a card is worth a look.

With Joelinton a doubt for this one, Bruno Guimaraes is the man for a card in the Newcastle midfield.

Much of the burden is going to fall onto the Brazilian’s shoulders on Saturday evening, and with City likely to control the ball, Guimaraes is going to have to work non-stop to keep his side in the game.

When these two met back in August, Newcastle’s midfield committed a staggering 7 fouls between them, with all 3 getting carded.

Guimaraes was of course at the heart of that, committing 3 fouls, more than any other player in the Newcastle side.

Over the season as a whole, he’s averaging 1.61 fouls P/90, and has 7 cards to his name in just the league alone, including cards in each of his last 2.

He’s consistent with the fouls as well, committing 1 or more in each of his last 8 in all competitions, and it should be no different against City.

Bruno Guimaraes will have the in-form Phil Foden to deal with, a player who’s drawing 1.96 fouls P/90, and who’s drawn 1 or more in 12 of his last 14 league games.

It’ll be a long afternoon for Newcastle, and for Guimaraes in particular.