Newcastle United have found some form ahead of their Premier League trip to Manchester City, leaving Pep Guardiola with some kind words for tonight’s opponents.
Manchester City will very much be focused on playing their own game on Saturday night, but it is useful to have a good understanding of the opposing team.
Newcastle certainly have a lot of offer in attack and they are in brilliant form after three successive away victories.
The Magpies got the better of Tottenham and knocked Aston Villa out of the FA Cup before putting six goals past Qarabag in the Champions League play-offs.
Pep Guardiola makes complimentary Newcastle claim
Eddie Howe has got his team playing great football again and Pep Guardiola is well aware of the challenges City will face in order to defeat them.
The manager has taken time to reflect on Newcastle’s most recent performance, which he has described as ‘exceptional’.
Guardiola said: “I saw their last game against Qarabag and it was exceptional. It was 0-5 at half-time, it could be 0-9… The rhythm, pace, intensity…”
“It’s the Newcastle I remember when they started with Eddie Howe.”
Man City are in good form too
While Newcastle are gaining momentum, Guardiola will have confidence that his side have what it takes to seal a victory.
City have won six of their seven most recent fixtures in all competitions and are unbeaten at home since November.
As good as Newcastle have been, this is a match which Manchester City are expected to win and any result contrary to this would be a surprise.
