Match Preview: Man City in the Hunt for Perfect Start to Season Against Newcastle in Tricky Test

• Manchester City will be looking forward to being at par with Arsenal as the reigning Premier League champions chase their third successive win against an invigorated Newcastle United
• The Cityzens are unbeaten in their last five meetings against the Magpies, winning by a landslide 9-0 over the two meetings last season
• City can move seven points clear of Liverpool if they beat Newcastle on Sunday, with Liverpool playing as guests to Man United at Old Trafford the following night

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City have begun their title defence with back-to-back league wins, while their hosts, Newcastle United are also unbeaten after two outings in the Premier League.

On the other side, Newcastle United are one of just two sides not to have conceded a goal after two matches in the English top-flight - winning one and splitting the points in a positive start to the campaign.

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Eddie Howe’s team failed to register a single shot on goal and struggled to create any meaningful threat against Brighton and will have to dig deep in order to fashion an upset that seems outlandish against a well-drilled City scoring at sixes and sevens.

Ahead of the stern test against the defending league champions the Magpies' boss reckons it will be the real acid test to weigh up the quality of his side.

"This is the ultimate test. These games against Man City and Liverpool are the real barometer of our quality." Howe said at his prematch presser via Chronicle Live.

“We want to narrow that gap between us and the top teams in the division. Last year, the results (against City) were harsh on us. I thought they were tighter than the scoreline suggested. They don’t look great on paper.

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“The home game last year, there were bits of our performance that were very, very good. But you need a bit of luck and to be very clinical when your chances come. In the two games, we probably weren’t.”

Despite thumping Newcastle United 5-0 in their last league meeting, Guardiola believes Sunday's meeting will be a different contest.

"Last year it was different, our first game after Madrid with the emotion. They were already safe," the City boss explained via Yardbreaker.

"The level of attention after Madrid was high, we gave everything. I saw the game again and we struggled for second balls. They are exceptional players in terms of how direct and aggressive they are. They have important players.

"Newcastle away is always an incredible environment."

Team News

Newcastle United

Eddie Howe will miss the services of former Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey against Manchester City but could have Scottish midfielder Ryan Fraser back in the team.

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Defender Matt Target will have to pass a late fitness test in order to play a role in the tough test against City.

Barren any unforeseen circumstances Howe will maintain the same side that showed excellent resilience to share the spoils with the Seagulls.

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola is expected to name an unchanged lineup when his side cross swords with Newcastle at St James' Park with Erling Haaland expected to lead the lines for the Cityzens despite firing blank in his last game.

Summer signing Kalvin Philips and young forward Cole Palmer are ready to face the Magpies after missing out on City's resounding victory over Bournemouth last week.

Leaving just Aymeric Laporte out of action while he recovers from knee surgery.

Players to watch

Man City's kingmaker and tormentor-in-chief Kevin DeBruyne could be the difference maker for the umpteenth time as the Cityzens look for their third win on the trot.

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After failing to hit the back of the net on his home debut, Norwegian forward Erling Haaland will be poised to find his goal-scoring boots against Newcastle.

Newcastle will have to heavily rely on Nick Pope, who was in inspired form against Brighton last week, to keep City's red-hot attack at bay.

Callum Wilson, who scored one of Newcastle's two goals this season, will be the man expected to front the Magpies' challenge.