Premier League: could in-form Newcastle inflict more pain on Man City?

After their heartbreaking Champions League exit in midweek, Man City face a tough test against the Magpies on Sunday afternoon.

City must put European heartbreak behind them

For 178 of the tie’s 180 minutes, Manchester City led Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the Champions League. Pep Guardiola’s side were on the brink of reaching the Paris showpiece on Wednesday, as Riyad Mahrez’s strike at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu gave them a 5-3 lead on aggregate.

Yet a remarkable Rodrygo brace turned the match on its head in second-half stoppage time, before Karim Benzema notched the winner from the penalty spot in extra time.

City’s wait for a first Champions League trophy goes on. The manner of their elimination means it is only natural to wonder whether they will be able to go again in the Premier League.

Potential banana skin

They certainly need to: Liverpool are a point behind City going into the weekend, and the Reds may well occupy top spot by the time this match gets underway at the Etihad Stadium.

City must try and put their European heartache to one side, but that's easier said than done. Make no mistake: this is a potential banana skin for the reigning champions.

There is a school of thought which argues it is better to face teams with nothing to play for at this stage of the season. In some cases that is true, but mid-table sides are often dangerous opponents.

Man City manager Pep Guardiola will be hoping his side can bounce back from Wednesday's painful defeat in Madrid

Form team

Newcastle will be able to play without pressure on Sunday, and that sense of freedom perhaps makes them more likely to cause an upset than if they desperately needed the points.

The Magpies have also been one of the best teams in the division this calendar year: since January 1, only Liverpool and Manchester City have accrued more points than Eddie Howe’s charges. And with a top-half finish still within their grasp, Newcastle will not be short of motivation at the Etihad.

A price of 2.12 is offered on Howe’s side scoring more than 0.5 goals, which looks like excellent value given City’s possible European hangover.

City should get the job done - just

It would not be a surprise if City start slowly on Sunday, but a 90-minute match is sufficient time for their superior class to shine through. A narrow home win looks like a distinct possibility in this one, but Guardiola’s side might not be able to keep Newcastle’s attack quiet throughout. Both teams to score is attractive at 2.3.

Gabriel Jesus has been out of the starting XI for much of the campaign, but he appears to have convinced Guardiola of his worth for the run-in. Whether he plays on the right or through the middle, the Brazil international is a goal threat. He has found the back of the net six times in his last four outings in all competitions, and is available at 2.28 to score anytime on Sunday.

Recommended bets

BTTS @ 2.3

Jesus anytime @ 2.28

Newcastle over 0.5 @ 2.12