Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes Newcastle United could be one of the teams to watch in the Premier League this season, feeling we’ll be back to the side that finished fourth two seasons ago.
Speaking to the press, Guardiola highlighted how Newcastle’s less-congested schedule for the season ahead, thanks to a European football-free fixture list, could see Eddie Howe’s side repeat their top four heroics from the 2022/23 campaign.
He said “Newcastle is going to play one game a week this season….this season (they) will be the Newcastle of two seasons ago” when facing the media after City’s 2-0 win at Chelsea on Sunday, insisting the top-four race will be so competitive.
With the group stage of the European competitions expanding to eight games under the new Swiss-style format, Newcastle will enjoy a few midweek nights off this season; somewhat fortunate blessing after last season’s injury plagued campaign?
Though Guardiola is notorious for downplaying his own team’s capabilities and lavishing praise on all his opponents, it should come as no surprise that the six time PL-winning manager seems to hold Newcastle in such high regard.
Newcastle notably held Man City to a 3-3 draw at St James’ Park at the beginning of the 22/23 season, in what was in the eyes of many a moment of realisation that the ‘new’ Newcastle United meant business en-route to their fourth placed finish that season.
It won’t be long until City travel up to Tyneside, with the two sides set to meet on the 28th of September.
