Sergio Aguero has scored 14 goals in his last 13 matches against Newcastle, but the rising form of Gabriel Jesus may well save the Toon from the Argentinian tomorrow evening.
Aguero always seems to be the difference in Newcastle’s matches with Man City, his five goal haul in 2015 being a particularly haunting moment.
However Pep Guardiola’s current rotation system between the Argentinian and Gabriel Jesus means the club hero is no longer a certain starter.
Jesus has been in form lately, firing in eight goals in his last five matches. The Brazilian now has 15 for the season, only one less than Aguero.
However unlike Aguero, Jesus has a far less terrifying record against the Toon.
Although Newcastle’s defenders wouldn’t look forward to playing either, Jesus is surely the lesser of two evils.
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If the Argentinian is benched on Tuesday, Newcastle are certain to gain a lot of confidence.
Gabriel Jesus – is he really in-form?
Gabriel Jesus is undoubtedly a fine footballer, but when you’re playing for Man City, your stats can sometimes be misleading.
Firstly, although Jesus has eight in his last five matches, four of these came in a 9-0 against Burton Albion.
Given City regularly score for fun against Premier League opposition, nine against a team from League one is hardly surprising.
The Brazilian has also been benefiting heavily from Man City’s fantastic service.
With players like Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane around him, surely Jesus cant miss? But the truth is, he does, and quite a lot.
Jesus’s missed chances are the fourth worst total in the league, which is shocking given his game time.
The Brazilian has only started seven matches in the PL this season, with ten substitute appearances (seven of which were less than 25 minutes).
It could easily be argued a month of less strenuous cup fixtures has helped Jesus mask what has been a difficult season.
His 5 goals in 17 league appearances are in fact a perfect match for Salomon Rondon’s current stats.
Aguero meanwhile has 10 in 19 and continues to be one of the league’s best strikers.
It’s safe to say Newcastle would prefer to see the Brazilian in the starting line-up on Tuesday evening.
Uniting the two: The perfect or nightmare scenario for Newcastle?
Unfortunately for Newcastle, the return of City’s Benjamin Mendy could mean disaster for their chances.
When the Frenchman is fit, it allows Guardiola to play a two striker 3-5-2 formation with wing-backs.
And when Jesus and Aguero play together in this formation, it can be catastrophic for the opposition.
Before Mendy’s injury early on last season, the striking partnership demolished teams.
In the space of seven days in September 2017, Man City bet Liverpool 5-0, Watford 6-0 and Feyenoord 4-0.
Of those 15 goals, Jesus scored four and Aguero hit five.
However Guardiola does sometimes struggle to find the correct formula with the pair.
Against Newcastle earlier this season this season, the manager lined up the forwards in a 4-1-3-2 formation and the Toon very nearly nicked a result.
Jesus in particular had a shocker in front of goal, missing two fantastic opportunities to score. In the end, it was Kyle Walker who saved the day, scoring a winner from distance in a 2-1 win.
If the two do play together, Newcastle now have previous of keeping them quiet, and it could prove a blessing in disguise.
