Newcastle United vs Manchester City. Premier League.
St James' Park, NewcastleAttendance50,861.
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Tuesday 29 January 2019 11:39, UK
Manchester City have the chance to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to one point when they face Newcastle on Tuesday (kick-off 8pm).
City have been playing catch-up in recent weeks as Liverpool have had the chance to play first. However, the champions now have the opportunity to apply some pressure with Liverpool facing Leicester on Wednesday.
Pep Guardiola, though, has warned that one more slip-up could spell the end of City's title defence.
"In both situations, whether we play later or earlier, the only chance we have is to win the games. If not it will be almost over," said the City boss.
"Every game for us is a final, in the cup competitions every game is also a final. What should we do playing first? We have to win. What should we do when playing after? We have to win.
"We have the pressure and feel the pressure but we have to handle it."
Newcastle ended a run of five Premier League games without a win against Cardiff last time out.
They are looking for back-to-back victories in the competition for the first time since November.
Manchester City will again be without injured defender Vincent Kompany, who has not played since the 2-1 victory over Liverpool on January 3.
City also have a doubt over left-back Benjamin Mendy, who suffered a slight reaction during his comeback from injury against Burton last week and was not involved in the weekend FA Cup rout of Burnley.
Newcastle striker Joselu is out with an ankle injury sustained during Saturday's 2-0 FA Cup fourth-round defeat by Watford.
However, Salomon Rondon was always likely to lead the line after being rested along with six key team-mates at the weekend.
Joselu will join defender Paul Dummett (hamstring) and midfield trio Jonjo Shelvey (thigh), Mohamed Diame (hip) and Ki Sung-Yueng on the sidelines, while striker Yoshinori Muto remains on duty with Japan at the Asian Cup.
I can't see anything but a Manchester City win here.
Newcastle were dumped out of the FA Cup at the weekend so that's more negativity and another year without any sort of challenge for silverware.
City are flying at the moment and their good form will continue at St James' Park.
PAUL PREDICTS: 0-3 (6/1 with Sky Bet)