<p>City have dominated Newcastle in recent years, winning the vast majority of encounters over the past decade. That dominance faced a rare test after the Magpies claimed a surprise 2-1 victory at St James' Park in November, ending a winless run against Pep Guardiola's side that stretched back to January 2019, when they won 2-1 at St James' Park.</p> <p>With Arsenal holding a four-point lead at the top of the table, the Citizens cannot afford another slip at the Etihad.</p> <ul> <li>Competition: Premier League</li> <li>Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester</li> <li>Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026 (UK) / Sunday, February 22, 2026 (AEDT)</li> <li>Start Time: 7:00 AM AEDT (Sunday)</li> </ul> <h2>Manchester City vs Newcastle Form and Head to Head</h2> <p>The historical head-to-head heavily favours Manchester City in recent years, yet Newcastle's 2-1 triumph earlier this season proved the gap has narrowed. That result was massive for the Magpies — their first win over City since that 2-1 away victory in January 2019.</p> <p>City's recent form has been inconsistent by their standards. City's January form at home was inconsistent, drawing with both Chelsea and Brighton before beating Wolves, combined with a shock 2-0 derby defeat to Manchester United in January, have left them chasing Arsenal in the title race. For a deeper dive into the latest <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/epl-betting-form-stats-analysis">Premier League betting stats</a>, check out our form analysis.</p> <p>Newcastle bounced back impressively from heavy defeats to Liverpool (4-1) and City (3-1 in the <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/carabao-cup-betting-guide">Carabao Cup</a>) with a league victory at Tottenham (2-1) and an FA Cup win at Aston Villa (3-1), demonstrating their resilience under Eddie Howe.</p> <h2>Haaland Returns as Newcastle Face Attacking Questions</h2> <p>Erling Haaland should lead City's attack as usual. The Norwegian's presence transforms City's attacking threat, as he's already on 22 Premier League goals this season.</p> <p>Guardiola faces defensive challenges with Gvardiol sidelined following a tibial fracture sustained in January.</p> <p>Newcastle's forward options were affected by Callum Wilson's summer departure. Anthony Gordon carries the creative burden, with Eddie Howe needing contributions from across his squad to trouble City's defence.</p> <p>The Magpies will need concentration and discipline in a match where opportunities may be limited.</p> <h2>Manchester City vs Newcastle Betting Markets</h2> <p>The Citizens enter as clear favourites at the Etihad, where their record remains formidable despite recent wobbles elsewhere.</p> <p>You'll find the full range of markets for this one over at Sportsbet, including match result, total goals, and player props. Head to our <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/united-kingdom/english-premier-league">Premier League betting</a> page to explore all available options.</p> <p>Given both sides' recent scoring patterns, the total goals market offers intrigue. City's January form at home was inconsistent, drawing with both Chelsea and Brighton before beating Wolves, while Newcastle's improved defensive organisation in recent away matches suggests they can frustrate top opposition.</p> <p>Newcastle's limited attacking firepower further points towards what could prove a more measured encounter than the head-to-head record suggests.</p> <h2>Manchester City vs Newcastle Prediction: Our Pick</h2> <p>City should have enough quality to get the job done at home, though this looks likely to be a tighter contest than many expect.</p> <p>The numbers support a controlled City victory rather than a demolition. Newcastle have shown improved defensive organisation in recent away matches, while City's attacking output has dipped without consistent contributions from their wider players.</p> <p>Haaland's presence provides the clinical edge City need, but Eddie Howe's side have shown they can compete with the elite, as their November victory proved.</p> <p>The Etihad factor and title pressure point towards a home win, but under 3.5 total goals offers value given the circumstances surrounding both squads. If you're new to <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/premier-league-betting-guide">betting on the Premier League</a>, our guide breaks down the key markets and strategies.</p> <p>City's defensive solidity at home combined with Newcastle's attacking limitations suggests a professional rather than spectacular performance from the champions.</p> <h2>Keep Reading</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/epl/predictions">Our latest Premier League predictions and match previews</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/epl-winners-by-year">Every Premier League champion since the competition began</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/epl/predictions/epl-players-to-watch-2025">The breakout stars lighting up the Premier League this season</a></li> </ul>