Newcastle have not even played this weekend’s game yet, and have already received a huge boost ahead of Saturday’s visit of Manchester City, with Sergio Aguero ruled out with injury.
Newcastle will hope to come through Monday’s game unscathed – and hopefully with three points – before looking to follow up last season’s impressive win against the Champions next weekend.
Aguero’s omission should not be under-estimated, with the Argentinian having been a constant thorn in the side of Newcastle over the seasons.
In the 13 previous Premier League games he has played against the Magpies, he has scored no fewer than 15 goals, and has chipped in with a further four assists.
Of course, no Newcastle fan will be naive enough to think Aguero is Man City’s only threat, as they have quality all across the middle and attacking areas. But his absence will definitely provide a confidence-boost for Steve Bruce and the players.
Aguero already has nine goals this season, which is only two fewer than Newcastle have in total, but the muscle injury he picked up in Saturday’s win against Chelsea is likely to see him on the sidelines for a significant spell.
Newcastle will be confident of beating the Champions on Saturday
Newcastle will fancy their chances of repeating last season’s heroics at St James’ Park, particularly as Pep Guardiola’s side has been criticised for their defensive frailties this season.
They are likely to spend money in January to try to rectify the issue, which means Newcastle could be playing them at just the right time.
If Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron can replicate their recent performances, and Newcastle can break at pace on the counter-attack against them, they could terrorise the Champions’ back line.
And without their potent goal-scoring talisman to rely on up front, it could see Newcastle grabbing a second consecutive home win against the blue half of Manchester.
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