“This is a tough period of games and, in the Premier League, is probably season-defining,” said Newcastle’s manager, whose side are sixth, level on points with fifth-placed City, and face Nottingham Forest at home next Sunday before visiting Liverpool the following Wednesday.
Eddie Howe has insisted he would not swap Alexander Isak for any other forward in world football – Erling Haaland included.
City’s recent stumbles have opened the door to potential Champions League qualification for Newcastle as Howe’s Carabao Cup finalists enter a crucial run of fixtures.
All eyes will be on Sweden’s Isak and Norway’s Haaland as two of the world’s best strikers meet at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday for Newcastle’s visit to Manchester City.
But he does not agree with suggestions that the more positional brand of football that revolutionised English football following Guardiola’s arrival at City is all but over.
