It would be a shock if Newcastle United don't emerge from their trip to Manchester City with a win when the two sides clash in the Premier League this afternoon.

That is the frank view of former Arsenal star Paul Merson who says he can't see City winning when the Magpies make the visit to the Etihad Stadium.

The two sides head into today's clash level on points and they will be keen to maintain the pressure on the top four in the race to qualify for next season's Champions League.

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But while City's season has descended into struggle, Newcastle are on the rise having booked their place in the Carabao Cup final next month.

And with those trajectories in mind, Merson has backed Newcastle to secure a first win at City since 2014, although two other prominent pundits have a different opinion.

Here's a wrap up of how the leading Premier League pundits see City faring against the Magpies.

Chris Sutton

The former Celtic and Blackburn forward told BBC Sport: "I am at this game for BBC Radio 5 live and there is no way City are keeping a clean sheet.

"In fact, until I realised just how bad Newcastle's record is at the Etihad, I was thinking of backing Eddie Howe's side to win.

"City have won the past 10 league games between the two sides here, and my old Blackburn strike partner Alan Shearer got the winner the last time Newcastle took the points at City - in September 2000 at their old Maine Road ground.

"That all points to a City win for me, far more than their current form does anyway.

"Let's face it, form does not really help me much anyway at the moment. Who could have seen Newcastle losing at home to Fulham in their last league game?

"So I may as well say a hoodoo like this one will continue and City will get over the line, even if Newcastle do definitely have a goal or two in them.

"I don't think it will make much difference who City start in goal, because Ederson and Stefan Ortega have both made mistakes this season, but it is going to be interesting to see who Pep Guardiola picks with the second leg of their Champions League tie with Real Madrid coming up next week."

Sutton's prediction: Man City 2-1 Newcastle

Paul Merson

The Sky Sports pundit told SportsKeeda: "The big problem for Manchester City is that they have to face Real Madrid just four days after this game. This is why the Premier League is tough. Real Madrid were in action against Atleti four days before the first leg against City, but that happens only once in a blue moon in LaLiga!

"Newcastle at home will be a massive challenge for City. I don't know what I will get from City anymore. The way City started that game against Real Madrid, they could have been 2-0 or even 3-0 down in the opening stages. Later they got a grip on things and looked like their best self before giving it away in the end. They are too up and down during games and that's a problem.

"City have conceded plenty of late goals. That is the sign of an ageing team, certain players get tired and it affects them. As a team, City don't have a good 90 minutes in them anymore! These players have played so many matches over the last few seasons and that's taking a toll on them now.

"I'm not entirely convinced about City's recruitment in January either. I like Omar Marmoush, but I think he will need time to become his best self in the Premier League. And Abdukodir Khusanov looks a bit lost at the moment if I'm being honest!

"Do you remember the Man City of the old? They had Julian Alvarez as an understudy and he was a World Cup winner for christ's sake! Even Riyad Mahrez produced plenty of goals for them, but City haven't been successful in replacing him. I don't think Jeremy Doku and Savinho can match Mahrez's numbers.

"City might win the league again but they will never dominate it like they did in the past. With Financial Fair Play (FFP) now firmly in the picture, I doubt they will be able to rebuild like they would ideally want as well.

"Newcastle will have one eye on the Carabao Cup final and that could be a problem in the race for top four. The players could even hold themselves back due to the fear of getting injured and missing the cup final. If you're a Newcastle fan, you would pick the Carabao Cup trophy any day instead of a place in the Champions League though! I'm not sure the owners will think the same way, but Newcastle fans know this is their best chance of tasting some silverware again.

"I don't see how Man City can win this game and I'd be shocked if Newcastle get beat, even though they're away from home."

Merson's prediction: Man City 1-2 Newcastle

Harry Redknapp

The former Tottenham manager told BetVictor: "What can I say about Manchester City that hasn’t already been said? Everyone’s talking about them at the minute. Just when we think they’re back to winning ways, they go and get demolished by Arsenal. That must have hurt Pep Guardiola big time. Still, I think they’ll edge this one.

"Newcastle are getting a taste for Wembley but can they edge it in the league? This team are resilient, I’ll give them that and Eddie Howe has been able to rotate his squad. It was great to see Joe Willock in the starting 11 and didn’t he do well.

"These two clubs are neck and neck in the league and my gut says that City will put on a performance at home. They were crushed by Jude Bellingham’s injury-time winner and will be on the warpath for a win!

"I know I keep saying the same thing, but you can never rule out Erling Haaland. That was a lovely goal against Real Madrid, and I see him scoring here."

Redknapp's prediction: Man City 2-1 Newcastle