A year ago
Newcastle United vs. Manchester City
Manchester City will play Newcastle at Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening in a thrilling second round game between two top-four teams.On the first day, both teams looked fantastic, particularly Newcastle. At St. James' Park, the Magpies produced a magnificent performance in a 5-1 statement victory over another European contender, Aston Villa.
Alexander Isak accomplished a hat trick, debutants Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes scored, and Callum Wilson scored the game's last goal.The hosts defeated newly-promoted Burnley 0-3 at Turf Moor, with Erling Haaland completing a brace of his own against Vincent Kompany's Clarets.Early in the final third, both teams were firing on all cylinders.Kevin De Bruyne will be out of action for at least four months after suffering an injury at Turf Moor. In addition, they had a European trip to make in midweek for a UEFA Super Cup match versus Sevilla.As a result, despite how good the Citizens were at home last season, we'll skip the home victory option. Instead, Over 2.5 goals FullTime and Both Teams To Score appears to be a far more practical tip. Alternatively, we like Erling Haaland to score for the Citizens at any time.
Prediction: Both clubs will score; over 2.5 goals will be scored; and Halaand will score at any time.
Bournemouth vs. Liverpool
On Saturday afternoon, the Reds will play host to Bournemouth in search of their first win of the 2023/24 season.Nonetheless, the overall picture on the pitch has shifted dramatically since Salah's disallowed goal, with Chelsea quickly pressing Jurgen Klopp's men, finally scoring an equaliser via Disasi before Ben Chilwell's goal was also ruled out for offside.Liverpool concluded the game in London with just one shot on goal in 90 minutes, and fans will undoubtedly want to see more from Klopp's squad on Saturday.On paper, the hosts are great favourites against Bournemouth, but we must remember that the Cherries are capable of putting up a good fight against practically any club in the division.
Bournemouth began the new season with a 1-1 draw against West Ham at Vitality Stadium under Andoni Iraola.They demonstrated great spirit by returning after surrendering.