City switch focus to Newcastle

Manchester. — Manchester City are ready for their Premier League game with Newcastle United today, despite having played in the UEFA Super Cup in Athens on Wednesday.

After their penalty shootout win over Sevilla, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola sarcastically thanked the Premier League for arranging the Newcastle game today.

This is despite saying that his side would be ready for the match at the Etihad Stadium

“Of course we are ready. We need these type of challenges.

“We face difficulties with the injuries we have, the calendar.

“This is the challenge we have, to take a step forward,” Guardiola told reporters yesterday.

“People went to sleep at 4am in Greece when they played at 10pm.

“Arrive, recover with 35 or 40 degrees in Greece. Come back, arrive here late, and then it’s this game,” the manager said.

“This is why we won. Because, we overcome all the time,” the Spaniard added.

Kevin De Bruyne is already a long-term absence after his hamstring injury during City’s 3-0 win over Burnley last time out.

Guardiola now has other injury worries.

Ruben Dias suffered a concussion in training before their opening league game, which ruled him out for seven days.

John Stones also missed that game and the Super Cup with a hip problem.

“Maybe Ruben (Dias) will play. John (Stones) is out. Last training, he didn’t feel comfortable, I don’t know how long that will be,” the manager confirmed.

City’s opponents Newcastle began the season with an impressive 5-1 win over Aston Villa last Saturday. Guardiola was full of praise for the work Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has done at the club.

“Eddie Howe has built a fantastic, fantastic team for many reasons, in build-up, in transitions and ball possession.

“They control everything, and it will be a massive test for us,” said the City manager.

Manchester City and Newcastle both opened the season with three points, and Newcastle are top of the Premier League on goal difference.

EPL Fixtures

Today

Fulham v Brentford 4pm

Liverpool v Bournemouth 4pm

Wolves v Brighton 4pm

Tottenham v Man United 6:30pm

Manchester City v Newcastle 9pm

Tomorrow

Aston Villa v Everton 3pm