Newcastle and Manchester City are the only two teams in the Premier League to have kept two clean sheets in their opening games.
Both teams will clash at the St. James Park on Sunday at 16:30 UK time. Pep Guardiola’s side has the record advantage over The Magpies, scoring at least four goals in their last four ties in all competitions.
Guardiola has faced the press ahead of the match on Saturday. He confirmed that Sergio Gomez will be in the squad tomorrow. He also has a fully fit squad for the game. Here is everything coach said in his conference:
on Gomez: “Yes [he’s ready]. I think so [part of plans tomorrow]. So far, so good. No complaints” he said.
“He is settling in, his mood is exceptional and he is starting to know us. He will travel with us.”
on Bernardo: “He’s our player. He knows our wishes. What is going to happen, I don’t know.”
on 4 points ahead of Liverpool: “[Four point gap over Liverpool, it matters] a lot. Just the 111 points to play. The future is Newcastle.
Another question about Liverpool? Liverpool is not my business. This is Man City!”
on Newcastle: “Their numbers and style of play speaks for itself. He [Eddie Howe] arrived in a difficult position last season, when the owners took over he went on an incredible run. Our first game after Madrid, they were already safe in the Premier League and it was tough.”
on Haaland: “We are delighted with Erling [Haaland]. It’s just a question of time, making connections. Games, games, games.”
on team news: “Cole is back. Kalvin is back.”
Both players were absent from last week’s 4-0 win over Bournemouth with minor injuries sustained in training earlier that week.
They are now available for selection again, leaving just Aymeric Laporte out of action while the Spain international recovers from knee surgery.
On Sunday’s opponents, Guardiola praised the impact of manager Eddie Howe since he arrived at St James’ Park in November 2021.
He also explained that City’s 5-0 victory in May will have no bearing on this weekend’s match, as Newcastle were safe from relegation and City were hunting down another Premier League title.
“They had an incredible run of games and after that they were safe.
“Our level of attention and concentration was high because we had four games left and we gave everything and got as good result. But I saw in the game against them we struggled with the second balls.
“They are exceptional in terms of how direct and aggressive they are. Eddie Howe always makes competitive teams – at Bournemouth and here. Newcastle away is always an incredible environment. The stadium is one of the best I have seen here.”