Manchester City vs Newcastle United Betting Tips

Newcastle's plight descended into an even more perilous one when they were beaten on penalties by Watford in their midweek fourth round Carling Cup match. The heat is now on Glenn Roeder in a major way - he is odds-on across the board to be the next Premiership managerial casualty. It has to be said, considering the level of player they possess, Newcastle's performances in domestic competitions so far this season have been woeful. Currently one from bottom in the table, the Magpies travel to Maine Road on Saturday to face Manchester City in a Premiership fixture they will do well to get anything out of. You could hardly nominate the Citizens as being the height of consistency, but while their away form leaves much to be desired, they are pretty good in their own back yard. Indeed, five Premiership matches played at Maine Road during the current campaign have yielded three victories and two draws. Furthermore, Stuart Pearce's charges are the only side in the top flight yet concede a goal on home soil. Although the Toon Army boast a favourable head to head record against the Blues, the Tyneside outfit have beaten City just once in nine visits to Maine Road since the Premiership came to be. Stats aside, Newcastle are at arguably their lowest point. They have been plagued by bad luck in the transfer market, which hasn't helped. Michael Owen is on the easy list for the foreseeable while the capture of Spanish striker Albert Luque has turned out to be the worst £9.5million anyone has ever spent. Damien Duff has not had the desired impact on the left wing and even the arrival Obafemi Martins has done little to alleviate the symptoms of impotence within the squad - Newcastle have scored just seven goals in 11 Premiership matches during the current campaign. Acquiring Antoine Sibierski from Man City was, on the other hand, a good bit of business, but the Frenchman looks set to be on the receiving end on his first visit to Maine Road since his departure. This game should result in three points for the Citizens. Barton and Reyna offer a solid midfield line and, unlike the visitors, Man City have plenty of attacking options at their disposal, not least Greek international George Samaras spearheading the front line. At 11/2 with bet365, Samaras in the first goal scorer market looks a tasty bet. But by far the most appealing opportunity for punters is the 7/4 Paddypwer offer about Man City in the to win to nil market - get on! Verdict: 1pt George Samaras in the first goalscorer market @ 13/2 (betuk)2pt Man City to win to nil @ 7/4 (Skybet)