Newcastle United take on Manchester City this weekend as Eddie Howe’s side return to Premier League action.
The final international break of 2025 is over, and it’s time for the real Newcastle United to stand up.
Newcastle were beaten at Brentford last time out, falling to a dreadful 3-1 defeat on the road.
This came just a week after Newcastle lost at West Ham in the exact same manner, taking the lead in the first half before collapsing to defeat.
Eddie Howe needs to bring some answers after this international break, though facing Manchester City is no easy task.
Prediction for Newcastle vs Man City?
Chris Sutton shares Newcastle United v Manchester City prediction
The problem with Newcastle this season has been away results, but the Magpies tend to turn up for big occasions at home.
Liverpool and Arsenal both won at St James’ Park, though only after spirited Newcastle performances.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
The Magpies must channel that approach this weekend, and Chris Sutton believes this will be a tricky game for City.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Sutton noted that ‘things are different’ for Newcastle at St James’ Park.
Sutton thinks Newcastle will find a much-needed spark against City, and is predicting a 1-1 draw in Saturday’s clash.
“Based on both teams’ form, I should really go for a Manchester City win here, but sometimes gut instinct takes over, and this is one of those occasions,” said Sutton.
“Newcastle have struggled on the road and been flat and dismal in the away matches when they have dropped points, but things are different at home, and they are capable of anything at St James’ Park.
“City beat a very average Liverpool side at Etihad Stadium before the international break, and how they get on here will probably be a better gauge of where they are really at.
“I know City fans have seen their team put together long winning runs to deliver so many league titles in recent seasons, and maybe they think this is the start of something similar, but I don’t see it that way.
“Pep Guardiola’s side still have a lot to work on, and I think they will be held to a draw here. Newcastle have lacked a bit of a spark so far this season, but they will be well up for this one,” he added.
Pep Guardiola and Eddie Howe embrace before Newcastle United vs Manchester City.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Manchester City’s record at Newcastle United under Pep Guardiola
Howe and Newcastle certainly seem to relish the big games, and this weekend should be no different.
Pep Guardiola will know the threat Newcastle pose, but he does possess a decent record at St James’ Park.
Since his arrival at Manchester City in 2016, Guardiola has visited Tyneside 10 times in all competitions.
Pep Guardiola’s record as Manchester City boss at Newcastle United
Newcastle United 0-1 Manchester City
Newcastle United 2-1 Manchester City
Newcastle United 2-2 Manchester City
Newcastle United 0-2 Manchester City
Newcastle United 3-4 Manchester City
Newcastle United 0-4 Manchester City
Newcastle United 3-3 Manchester City
Newcastle United 1-0 Manchester City
Newcastle United 2-3 Manchester City
Newcastle United 1-1 Manchester City
City have won five of those meetings, including a dramatic 3-2 victory in January 2024.
Guardiola has recorded three draws away at Newcastle, which features last season’s 1-1 draw between the two sides.
Newcastle have beaten Guardiola’s City just twice at St James’ Park, with one of those victories coming in the League Cup.
Howe wants a response from his Newcastle side this weekend and will look to add another defeat to Guardiola’s record.