Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is refusing to be blinded by Newcastle United’s poor Premier League position.
Under Eddie Howe, the Magpies have grown used to being in the mix for the Champions League positions. However, they are down in 14th place in the Premier League after 11 games.
Newcastle United desperately need to improve, starting against Manchester City on Saturday evening. That is obviously easier said than done given Newcastle’s poor record against Manchester City.
Combine that with the Magpies’ form and it is easy to understand why Man City go into the game as favourites. But that is not how Pep Guardiola sees things, with the 54-year-old full of praise for Eddie Howe’s side.
Prediction for Newcastle vs Man City?
Pep Guardiola loves ‘top team’ Newcastle United despite Premier League form
Guardiola has addressed the media ahead of Newcastle United vs Manchester City at St James’ Park.
He was asked if he sees the game as a ‘major test’, despite Newcastle’s low position in the Premier League table.
“Top team,” he said.
“I never see the table when we analyse opponents. Top, top team.
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“It has been one of the toughest places in the last few years and there have been good games. The atmosphere. It’s a Champions League team, and they’re doing really well.
“We’re ready again for a new challenge.”
Newcastle United have become a match for Manchester City at St James’ Park
It is a different story at the Etihad, but Newcastle United can go into Saturday’s game with a bit of confidence given their last three performances against Man City at St James’ Park.
In August 2022, the two sides played out a 3-3 draw. With PIF chief and Toon chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan in attendance, Newcastle came agonisingly close to beating Guardiola’s side. They arguably should have, leading 3-1 before being pegged back.
The following season saw Newcastle lose in heartbreaking fashion, with Oscar Bobb scoring the winner in stoppage time in January 2024. The Magpies were winning 2-1, but went on to lose 3-2 after Kevin De Bruyne was introduced from the bench.
Anthony Gordon is challenged by Ruben Dias during Newcastle United vs Manchester City.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Last season’s meeting at St James’ Park was less dramatic, with Newcastle and Man City playing out a 1-1 draw. It was a fair result, and another indication of the Magpies being good enough to go toe-to-toe with Man City on Tyneside.
But what Newcastle United need on Saturday is victory. Eddie Howe has only beaten Man City once as Newcastle United manager, and that came in the Carabao Cup in September 2023.