All or nothing approach from Newcastle against Man City tomorrow?

Newcastle United will travel to the Etihad Stadium tomorrow to take on Manchester City.

Newcastle United and Manchester City will face each other for the second time this season, but the third time across all competitions. The Magpies scored a late equalizer to earn a 2-2 draw against Pep Guardiola’s side in November, but City eliminated Newcastle United from the FA Cup (2-0) last weekend.

Newcastle United are coming into this clash in good spirits as their unbeaten streak in the top flight was extended to six games after their 2-2 draw with West Ham on Sunday. Manchester City have been struggling with inconsistency as of late having lost two of their last four.

Guardiola’s men mauled Liverpool 4-0 five days ago, but were stunned by Southampton (1-0) at St. Mary’s Stadium on Sunday. That being said, most fans and pundits are expecting last season’s champions to bounce back by taking their frustration out on the Magpies.

Newcastle United were extremely defensive against Manchester City in the FA Cup, but they cannot sit back like that again. Based on the criticism Steve Bruce received for his tactics last weekend, it is fair to assume that he will give his players some freedom to go forward and attack.

Manchester City are known for blowing teams out of the water as they have won games by four or five goals on several occasions, but games between these two clubs have always been close.

The Magpies are expected to rest Allan Saint-Maximin due to fatigue, and they will be without Isaac Hayden and Sean Longstaff as well.

As a result, Jonjo Shelvey, who scored his sixth goal of the campaign on Sunday, will be expected to carry the team on his back with his creativity in the middle of the park. Dwight Gayle and Miguel Almiron will also have big roles to play in the final third as momentum is on currently on their side.

Gayle has scored two goals and provided an assist over the last three games, while Almiron has found the back of the net in two consecutive games.

Defensively, the entire team needs to be alert, confrontational, and quick to close passing lanes on both edges of the box, which is where Manchester City inflict most of their damage.

So long as Newcastle United do not park the bus and invite the attack for most of the game they will have a chance to take something from this clash.

Manchester City are one of the best teams in Europe and three points should go their way, but their recent mentality and form is somewhat encouraging for the Magpies.