The Magpies and City played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at St James’ Park last August, with the home side opening a 3-1 lead at one stage.
But the Blues found a way back into the game with two quick goals from Bernardo and Erling Haaland and Guardiola’s men were ultimately unfortunate not to edge what was a pulsating clash.
Guardiola says Allan Saint-Maximin caused numerous problems in the first encounter and is mindful of the threat the livewire French winger will pose on this occasion.
“We didn’t find the space,” said Pep, reflecting on the first meeting. “Saint-Maximin dropped us back.
“He has that ability to take the ball to use the counterattack to drive the ball.
“If you cannot win that duel you have to defend 40 metres further back.
“We are not a team that concedes too many counterattacks.
“We try to play with proper strikers like Erling or Julian before sometimes it would be Gabriel who would drop.
“This game was Saint-Maximin or Almiron or Joelinton - they have players who can run 40 metres with the ball.
“When that happens, you have to defend. We saw it in the first 10 minutes against Bristol City on our right side.
“We normally concede because we lose easy balls and in that aspect we have to improve.”
Guardiola also says he was not in the least surprised that Arsenal recovered from their 3-1 defeat to City with successive victories to move five points clear at the top.
The Gunners have beaten Aston Villa, Everton and host struggling Bournemouth on Saturday and the boss says he expected nothing less from Mikel Arteta’s side.
“We knew it when we won a tight game versus Arsenal,” he said.
“The game after we draw 1-1. I expect Arsenal to win three games in a row.
“In the first part of the season they made 50 points so you expect they can make a lot of points and win a lot of games.
“The way we played after Arsenal was really good, we could not win all the games because football is like that.
“Arsenal are in their position because they deserve it. They are many games left to play.
“Many things are going to happen.”
