City were confirmed as the Premier League winners on Tuesday night when rivals United fell against Leicester. Guardiola’s side lifted their third league title in four years, overcoming a disappointing start to the season. With nothing at stake for them anymore, they will take on Newcastle on Friday night.
This is one of those unique matches where neither team has anything significant to play for, barring their pride. Both teams have hit their set targets for the season, with Manchester City securing the league title while Newcastle surviving relegation to the second division. There’s nothing much to be gained from this match then, albeit City will look to use it as a springboard for the upcoming UEFA Champions League final.
Apart from a poor start to the season, the Cityzens were ruthless in the league. A slight tweak in their system, and several key players hitting form, saw them wrap the league up a few months ago. City beat Newcastle 2-0 in their previous meeting this campaign, just as they were hitting their stride. The win over the Magpies was their second straight win in what eventually turned out to be a 13-match winning run.
City’s recent form won them the league, while Newcastle’s save them from the drop. Steve Bruce’s side looked to be heading towards a devastating relegation until recently, with their form dropping while those below them starting to pick up some important points. However, the Magpies stuck together ground out results and were assured of their Premier League safety last weekend.
Newcastle will now look to use their remaining matches to finish as high as possible in the table. They are considered to be the most underperforming club in the Premier League, given their past pedigree. A positive end to the current season could give them the confidence to bridge the gap at the top end of the table in the subsequent campaign.
Key Players
Joe Willock only signed for United in January but has been one of their best players since. The 21-year-old scored crucial goals for the Magpies against Tottenham, Liverpool, and Leicester, which helped his side secure their Premier League status. Such has been his impact that the club is looking to open talks with Arsenal over a permanent deal.
Allan Saint-Maximin has been one of Newcastle’s best players over the past few seasons. His attacking talents alone have saved Magpies from sticky situations in the past. The Frenchman has only played 23 times for Steve Bruce’s side so far, with 22 of those appearances coming in the league. He has contributed with eight goals – scoring three and assisting five.
With the league title secure, it remains to be seen whether Pep will start some of his key players in their remaining matches. Despite that, Phil Foden is expected to get some minutes over the next two weeks, just to keep himself match fit ahead of the UEFA Champions League final. The youngster is among the most talented players on the continent and has secured his place in the City first team this season. Foden has 24 goal contributions this season – 14 of which are goals.
Sergio Aguero suffered a miserable outing against Chelsea last weekend. Nonetheless, the Argentinian will pick himself up, and dust himself off, as he looks to lead his team in what are his final few matches at the club. The striker will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the finest players to play for Manchester City. He will be looking to end his decade-long tenure at the Etihad on a high note.
Prediction
Manchester City won the league on Tuesday night, without even kicking a ball. Rivals Manchester United lost their league match against Leicester City, thus handing the championship to the Citizens. Consequently, there is nothing at stake for the recently-crowned champions to play for against Newcastle but their pride.
Nevertheless, Pep Guardiola will ask his players to be professionals and continue their tasks as they have done until now. Finishing the league campaign strong will also be of importance for the Spaniard, as that might help provide the perfect springboard for the upcoming Champions League final against Chelsea. Moreover, this is not a game City should lose, given the huge investments made in the first team. They are expected to deliver three points from the game, even though the title has been won already.
Similarly, there is no danger of falling into the abyss anymore for Newcastle United. They will be a Premier League club for at least another year. The Magpies will hope to finish on a positive note, given their recent form. However, that is easier said than done, given the pedigree of their opponents.
