By: Fasika Zelealem
Manchester City Odds Against Newcastle for July 8th
I started my last Manchester City article saying: “This has been the story of Manchester City all season.
“They’ll earn a couple of impressive wins in a row and look to go on a run, only to be stopped in their tracks with another loss on their record.”
Well, that’s pretty much what happened. After such an impressive 4-0 win over Liverpool, which laid a marker for next season, by the way, they traveled to Southampton to get back to back wins and stop the cycle of inconsistency.
After Ederson was caught off his line, Che Adams’ 40-yard strike nestled in the back of the night which was his first Premier League goal in 25 games this season. A man of the match performance from Saints’ keeper Alex McCarthy was a big reason Southampton claimed all three points as his goal was impenetrable as they earned their 13th league win of the season.
For City, it’s yet another setback and their third loss in their last six games. It’s unacceptable with the talent they have that they’ve lost more games (9) this season than Manchester United (8), Wolves (7), and Arsenal (8) while losing the same amount of games as Sheffield United.
Manchester City Odds to Right the Ship Against Newcastle
They travel back to Manchester on Wednesday as they host an improving Newcastle side who are on their longest unbeaten run of the season.
They’re unbeaten in their last six games including wins over Southampton, Sheffield United, and Bournemouth. Newcastle and Manchester United are the only teams to remain unbeaten since the restart which has seen the magpies rise to 12th in the table with a good chance of finishing in the top half of the table.
Since losing three in a row in late December and January, Newcastle has suffered just two defeats in their last 12 games.
The two clubs met just last week in the FA Cup where City saw off Newcastle 2-0 to reach the semi-finals where they face Arsenal in an attempt to defend their trophy.
City’s last win against Newcastle, however, came back in September 2018 as the last two league meetings were a draw and loss for City.
However, that one loss for City against Newcastle is the only loss since 2005 they’ve suffered against Newcastle in the league.
Sportsbooks odds on City bouncing back with three points open at -900. Odds on a Newcastle win opens at +2000. Odds on a draw between the two clubs opens at +900.
What Has happened to Gabriel Jesus?
The Brazilian has struggled in recent weeks as he’s come into the side for the injured Sergio Aguero. Jesus is one of City’s and Brazil’s brightest talents, but the shine has seemed to have darkened as his form has taken a deep dive.
Despite netting 10 times in the league this season; which is a respectable figure for a player who doesn’t start every match, he has just one goal in his last 11 matches and for someone leading the line at one of the top clubs in the world, it’s just not good enough.
He’s seen as the successor to Sergio Aguero, but every year Aguero stays, Jesus gets a year older and less patient to wait for his time as City’s undisputed number nine.
Jesus must perform but after losing Leroy Sane, City must be wary not to lose the Brazilian.
