Pep Guardiola's prediction falls flat but Newcastle…

Pep Guardiola's prediction falls flat but Newcastle and Liverpool still have title role to play

Newcastle United must quickly move on from their Carabao Cup heartbreak as they approach a critical juncture in their Premier League campaign. The Magpies emerged as shock contenders to qualify for next season's Champions League following a stunning start to the season, but have fallen to fifth spot following a run of one win in their last seven top-flight fixtures.

Liverpool became the first side to triumph at St James' Park this season in their most recent league outing, with Jurgen Klopp's side completing the double over Newcastle. Things do not get any easier for Eddie Howe's side, with a second straight loss at Wembley against Manchester United followed by a trip to Manchester City on Saturday.

The sides played out a thrilling 3-3 draw on Tyneside in August, with the defending champions rallying from a two-goal deficit to draw. Not long after, Pep Guardiola surprised many by naming Newcastle as potential rivals to City sealing their fifth Premier League title in six seasons.

When asked to justify his selection of the Magpies as contenders, he told reporters: “Because they have incredible physicality to the way they play and they are playing one game a week, they are not playing in Europe and when this happens that’s a big advantage when you arrive in the last months with energy. They have incredible energy and imagine how they are after one week.

“They have a good manager, top class players, they have experienced ones, physicality in the middle, box to box transitions, the way they make the intensity without the ball is so impressive, the press high and they go with real rhythm and I imagine they are going to stay there for a long time.”

Almost five months on, it is safe to say that any talk of an ambitious title challenge from Tyneside has dissipated with league leaders Arsenal now 19 points clear. However, Newcastle are one of a handful of sides who could still yet play an important role in defining the title race.

Manchester United are now seen as outside contenders following an impressive run of form since the World Cup break, but many still view the title race as a straight shootout between Arsenal and City. The league leaders and the champions both have 13 matches remaining, and they each still have to face Newcastle along with 'Big Six' rivals Chelsea and Liverpool among others.

Out of these remaining opponents, the Magpies are the only team to take a point off both the leading contenders. Howe's side showcased different qualities from the early six-goal thriller with City to grind out a point in a stalemate at the Emirates Stadium in January.

The odds are stacked against Newcastle repeating the feat at the Etihad this weekend, with United's last triumph at the stadium coming in a League Cup victory back in 2014. The Magpies endured a five-goal thrashing at the venue last season, with Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling netting late strikes to add painful gloss to the scoreline.

However, Newcastle have proven to be more stubborn opposition in recent times for the current league leaders. Arsenal's top-four hopes went up in smoke at St James' Park last season with a 2-0 defeat in May, and the Gunners are again due in the North East for one of the final matches of this season on May 6.

Title talk on Tyneside was never taken too seriously, despite an unbeaten 17-match unbeaten league run which only just came to an end. However, as Newcastle bid to match their stunning start to the season with a strong finish, they could yet play a part in deciding the destination of the title come May.

Pep Guardiola's prediction falls flat but Newcastle and Liverpool still have title role to play

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