Manchester City and Newcastle have already locked horns three times this season, though the pattern of their encounters shifted between games two and three, moving from chess-like battle to chaotic free-for-all in the space of four months.

Newcastle lost 1-0 at Man City in a tense Premier League tussle in August before reversing that scoreline to dump the Cityzens out of the Carabao Cup a month later, however, the Magpies’ 3-2 loss to the champions at St. James’ Park in January exposed the Mapgies’ worsening defensive standards.

With injuries and a loss of confidence both playing a part, Newcastle’s once steely resolve has been softening and a trend of heavy away defeats since December, which included losses at Everton (3-0), Tottenham (4-1), Liverpool (4-2) and Arsenal (4-1) affects our thinking in the markets.

Newcastle conceded another three goals at Chelsea on Monday evening and a City outfit that has notched at least twice in 15 of their last 18 home matches, look like a safe pick at 1.29 to score over 1.5 goals against them here.

Elsewhere, backing goals to be scored in both halves in what could be another exciting spectacle between the teams also appeals at 1.40. Goals were notched either side of the interval in 14 of City’s last 18 home fixtures, and in their last skirmish with Newcastle in January. Expect that pattern to continue.

Phil Foden has been outshining his team-mates in attack for City for much of the campaign and the silky technician has been a major goal threat for the Cityzens, clocking at least one shot on target in 12 of his last 14 appearances in sky blue.

Foden has started twice against Newcastle already this season, mustering six and three attempts respectively against the Magpies, hitting the target a combined three times across his run-outs.

The 23-year-old’s consistency in the final third makes him a superb candidate to lodge one or more shots on target again on Saturday, while Julian Alvarez – if the Argentinean starts – catches the eye in the 2+ shots on target stakes at 2.25.

Alvarez got the nod to start against Newcastle in January and found his range with three of his six shots against the Magpies, while the 24-year-old also landed attempts on target in City’s other two tussles with United in the campaign’s early exchanges.

From a Newcastle perspective, Swede Alexander Isak deserves to be shortlisted. The Magpies will be following a counter-attacking blueprint on Saturday and Isak’s runs could be the focal point of any fast breaks, especially with Anthony Gordon injured.

Isak had three shots on target and five attempts overall when Newcastle lost at home to City in January. Eddie Howe’s charges enjoyed just 27% possession that day, however, they were still able to provide Isak with service and the same thing could happen here.

Man City posted possession figures north of 65% in each of their last two meetings with Newcastle, and the corner count in each contest aligned with the Cityzens’ dominance of the ball.

In fact, the aggregate corner tally from those fixtures was 20-7 in City’s favour and the hosts – who have been winning more corners per home game in the Premier League than anyone else this season (avg 8.36) – can be backed to win another glut of corners with confidence on Saturday.

City have won at least seven corners in 12 of their last 16 assignments and at least nine of them in nine of the same matches, so expect them to lead the corner charge again this weekend.

Newcastle are almost certain to be pushed back into their own third for large swathes of their FA Cup quarter-final tie with City, and corner-winning scenarios for Pep Guardiola’s troops should be plentiful.

With Kieran Tripper is among the players packed into Newcastle’s busy treatment room, youngster Tino Livramento looks set to be handed another opportunity to shine at right back for the Magpies on Saturday, and the 21-year-old jumps off the page as a prime candidate in the fouls market at the Etihad Stadium.

Livramento has been used sparingly this term, though he did enjoy a rare start in September’s Carabao Cup win over Man City and the youngster left his mark on proceedings, committing a game-high four fouls in a tough-tackling display.

On that evidence alone, the enthusiastic ex-Chelsea starlet is worth backing to foul at least once on Saturday, while Dan Burn is just as tempting an option on the opposite flank.

The towering full-back has a tendency to defend awkwardly against nippy, more technical types and the 31-year-old gave away three free kicks when Newcastle lost 3-2 to City in January. Burn is well worth scooping up to foul just once on Saturday.

For City, Kevin De Bruyne has potential in the same bracket. The Belgian is often priced down the list in the markets, though that adds to his appeal and he has fouled at least once in five of his last six starts. The 32-year-old also fouled twice as a substitute against Newcastle in January.

De Bruyne’s touchline spat with Pep Guardiola after his withdrawal in last week’s tie with Liverpool should make him doubly determined to make an impact on Saturday, so expect him to stick his boot in.