Newcastle United aims to bounce back with a win against visiting Manchester City on Saturday.
Last season, the Magpies suffered two narrow league defeats to the reigning champions.
While Newcastle triumphed over a heavily rotated City side in the League Cup last September, their last league victory against City dates back to 2019.
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The contrast between “good” and “great” was evident in their two recent encounters. In a thrilling 3-2 match at St. James’ Park on January 13, Newcastle led 2-1 at halftime with goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, only to concede two late goals, including a stunning winner from Oscar Bobb.
In their previous encounter on August 19, 2023, City secured a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from Julian Alvarez in the 31st minute.
“We’ve had some great games against them at home, with close moments,” said Newcastle manager Eddie Howe.
“We felt we did a lot right last season, but against a team like Manchester City, you must maintain focus for the entire match.”
Newcastle (3-1-1, 10 points) faces City (4-0-1, 13 points) under potentially favorable circumstances, as City will be without standout midfielder Rodri, who is out for the season due to ACL surgery.
Despite managing without Rodri in three of their five league games this season, City struggled last year without him, losing three of four matches when he was unavailable.
“What he provides is unique,” Guardiola acknowledged. “But collectively, we need to adapt and find a way to cope without him.”
City will also be missing Kevin De Bruyne (thigh), although he might return just before the October international break.
Despite Erling Haaland’s impressive tally of 10 league goals, no other player on the team has scored more than once.
Newcastle may also be without Isak (toe), with Howe stating the striker is doubtful after missing training this week.
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