Newcastle v Man City Tip

Manuel Pellegrini is new to the League Cup but it’s pretty clear it will be a low priority for him this season. In contrast, for Newcastle this represents the best opportunity for that long awaited silverware, and at best odds of 4/1 (Boylesports) the upset could just happen.

The usual logic applies here that the bookies’ prices haven’t fully factored in the team selections that are likely to be put out . City’s reserves will include a number of non-British players who will see being called into action as a distinct booby prize compared to the Premier and Champions Leagues.

Besides this, the Sky Blues just keep looking defensively vulnerable without the commanding presence of Vincent Kompany. Alan Pardew will want to get ‘up and at ‘em’ knowing that victory here will go a long way to banishing the memory of recent derby defeat.