City’s fine Newcastle record
Our record against Newcastle makes for impressive reading.
We have won all but one our last 13 Premier League matches against the Magpies and haven’t lost in 19.
If City avoid defeat, we’ll set a new club record of 20 unbeaten league games against a specific opponent.
Only Manchester United (13) have managed more consecutive wins against a Premier League opponent (Wigan Athletic) than City have against the St James’ Park outfit.
More of the same on Wednesday would be very welcome.
Goals Goals Goals
City became the first Premier League side to score 100 goals in a calendar year when Sergio Aguero headed home our third in the 4-0 win over Bournemouth three days ago.
It’s a remarkable feat that underlines the firepower within the squad. We now have two more matches in 2017 to try and match the 106 Liverpool managed in 1982.
And given Aguero’s goalscoring history against Newcastle, it’s a game that almost guarantees goals.
He has scored in each of his last five league games against the North East side (nine in total).
Another on Wednesday, and he will have scored in six-consecutive games against a Premier League opponent for the first time in his City career.
Perfect midfield composition
One of the most striking aspects of this City side is the midfield three of Fernandinho, David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne.
It contains ideal balance. All three press intensely when City lose the ball, a prerequisite of any Guardiola side, but there is plenty of artistry to complement their industry.
Fernandinho, the anchor, is one of the most disciplined and tenacious defensive-midfielders in the game, and his protection allows Silva and De Bruyne the freedom to get forward and supplement the attack.
Those two are perhaps the finest creative players in the Premier League, the architects of City’s best attacking moments throughout this exhilarating season. Vision, movement, ingenuity and passing ability, they have everything needed to unlock any defence in the game.
It’s a midfield that’s thrilling to watch and Newcastle will know that stopping them is key to getting a positive result.
WATCH: Guardiola’s Newcastle press conference
READ: The best games of City’s unbeaten 2017 at the Etihad
City chasing European record
City have won 17-consectuve league matches, an English record.
It’s also the second-longest winning run in European history, level with Inter Milan, who also managed 17 in 2007.
Can City match Bayern Munich’s 19-game winning run – the European top-flight record - set in 2014 with Guardiola in charge?
Victory at Newcastle would edge us a step closer.
The significance of this run should not be underestimated. City are not only redefining the English game, we are making our mark alongside Europe’s best, too.
Jonjo back in contention
If there’s a player in the Newcastle squad with the quality top open a side up, it’s Jonjo Shelvey.
The former Liverpool man has an outstanding range of passing and is capable of finding teammates with ease.
He is back from a two-game suspension after picking up his second red card of the season against Everton recently.
And Jamaal Lascelles’ return to to action gave Newcastle a steadier look as they beat West Ham 3-2 in their last match. He’s a key player for them.
Pep will not be underestimating a team managed by Rafa Benitez, a man famed for his ability to organise his players.
