This looks like a typical control vs transition matchup. Manchester City should dominate possession and territory, while Newcastle are expected to defend deeper and look for counters and set pieces. The visitors can stay competitive physically, but sustaining pressure for long periods at the Etihad is usually difficult.
City’s structure at home usually forces opponents to defend for most of the match. Newcastle may have moments, especially early on, but the longer the game goes the more it tends to tilt toward Guardiola’s side. Individual quality and chance volume normally become decisive rather than game state swings.
The expectation is not a chaotic game but a controlled one, where City gradually create more and more opportunities. Newcastle’s best chance is to keep the score level deep into the match, yet over 90 minutes the home side’s attacking consistency should prevail.