BBC pundit predicts Newcastle United v Manchester City; anticipates change from Benitez

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Newcastle United take on Manchester City in the Premier League tonight.

Pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he thinks Manchester City will beat Newcastle United 2-0 at St. James’ Park this evening.

The Magpies head into the game having finally ended their torrid run of form, picking up a 3-2 win over West Ham United at the London Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Rafael Benitez’s men had lost eight of their previous nine games before that trip to East London, and will be hoping to kick on again having slipped close to the drop zone.

Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City

However, they face a daunting task this evening, as they welcome Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side to Tyneside in an attempt to finally end their unbeaten run.

City can move 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League table this evening after Manchester United’s 2-2 home draw with Burnley, having dropped just two points this season.

Guardiola’s side have now 17 Premier League games in a row as they continue to stretch the Premier League record, and will be expected to claim another three points tonight.

Ahead of the game, pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he thinks Newcastle boss Benitez will look to frustrate City rather than be expansive as he was against West Ham, changing his approach to suit the game.

Lawrenson added that he doesn’t see Newcastle stopping City’s swashbuckling superstars, backing them for a 2-0 win at St. James’ Park this evening.

“Newcastle put in a performance against West Ham that was very unlike their manager Rafa Benitez, and threw caution to the wind,” said Lawrenson. “I am not sure if he only did that because of the players he had available, but it worked. The Magpies got a really good result to end their run of nine games without a victory and, with leaders Manchester City up next, they really needed that win.”

“I think Benitez will revert to his usual approach for this game, though. He is very good at negating the opposition in matches like this but, even so, I do not see Newcastle stopping City’s winning run,” he added.