Newcastle will pose a significant test for Manchester City at the Etihad | OneFootball

Following on from their 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday evening another big match awaits Manchester City on Saturday. Pep Guardiola’s side will take on Newcastle United at the Etihad in a massive Premier League fixture. The game could have big ramifications in the battle to secure Champions League football for next season. Although there are plenty of games remaining this season you do get the sense that Saturday’s match could be significant for both teams. But looking at Eddie Howe’s side they will pose a significant test for Manchester City at the Etihad.

Newcastle will enter the match on a run of 12 wins in their past 14 games in all competitions. They have also won their past 6 away games. Eddie Howe’s side has also booked a place in the Carabao Cup final for this season. They enter Saturday’s match sitting 6th in the Premier League table level on points and goal difference with Manchester City who sit 5th. But looking at the Newcastle line up you can see their strengths and the test they will pose for a wounded Manchester City squad.

Eddie Howe’s side is packed with quality. Especially in midfield and upfront. Alexander Isak, Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon will pose a significant challenge to City’s defence. On their day they are almost unplayable. In Isak, Newcastle have one of the best strikers in the game. If he fires he could well decide Saturday’s match. Across midfield, Newcastle have the guile, quality and energy to significantly test City’s ageing midfield. Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali form a quality midfield. Although Joelinton is unavailable for the match at the Etihad. Pep Guardiola’s side must win the midfield battle if they are to prosper at the Etihad. All told, Eddie Howe’s side looks to be built to get at Manchester City’s weaknesses.

Pep Guardiola knows what awaits his team at the Etihad.

Speaking during his pre-game press conference ahead of Saturday’s match Pep Guardiola knows just how good Newcastle are. Speaking about City’s opponents he said: “They have a lot of threats and a lot of positive things. Bruno [Guimaraes] is one of them not just this season. For two or three seasons he’s playing at a high level since he arrived from France now he’s more advanced, Tonali makes more in the central role, but both can do it, the physicality, speed and long balls, set pieces. It’s an experienced and solid team already, of course congratulations for reaching the Carabao Cup final but playing one game a week, it can be unbelievably dangerous, without the Champions League. They qualified for it then had it, then didn’t qualify with a lot of injuries. They will be a top four or five contender until the end.”

Newcastle will pose a significant test for Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad. They are a quality side as their league position and form suggests. Considering Manchester City’s frailties Eddie Howe’s side will be even more difficult to beat. But if Manchester City can pick up three points it could prove to be a significant victory in their season. But it won’t be an easy afternoon at the Etihad as City face another quality outfit in what looms as almost a must-win match for both teams.