A daunting prospect for the Magpies

AFTER two extremely disappointing Premier League away defeats, Newcastle United’s return to action this coming weekend could not be much more difficult.

- By STUART JAMIESON

Eddie Howe couldn't have wished for a tougher test of his Magpies side than the visit of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to St James’ Park on Saturday teatime on a day when United are desperate for a morale-boosting home win.

On one hand, we know the Newcastle players will be raring to go and keen to prove a point against City following what has a been a poor month so far by their own standards, and St James’ will be bouncing for the 5.30pm kickoff.

After all, three points against City could change the complexion of the season, which has seen United perform well at home but struggle on the road, with big away games coming up at Marseille, Everton, Leverkusen and then that derby date with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

On the other hand, City are a team in form, having seemingly shaken off the disappointment of last season to look once more like the Guardiola side which lifted pretty much every trophy in recent seasons.