Rafa Benitez says Newcastle must 'stick together' ahead of Man City clash

Rafa Benitez believes his players have taken enough positives from their victory over Swansea to be full of confidence heading into their clash with Champions League semi-finalists Manchester City.

The Magpies will move out of the Premier League relegation zone if they claim victory over City at St James' Park on Tuesday live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7pm. 

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Newcastle claimed a morale-boosting 3-0 victory over Swansea on Saturday and Benitez has called on his side to produce a similar performance as they go in search of their first league victory over City since 2005. 

"We have to be ready for a difficult game. We all have to stick together, work hard and try to get three points in this game," Benitez said.

"If we believe like we did against Swansea then we can beat anyone. We have nothing to lose at the moment and we have confidence.

"We know that we can do it, we know that we can fight and play with this intensity, sometimes you play better, sometimes you play worse, but you have to keep this team spirit and this fight." 

City claimed an impressive 3-0 victory over Chelsea on Saturday Night Football, just four days after booking their place in the Champions League semi-finals for the first time. 

Sergio Aguero scored a hat-trick at Stamford Bridge, but Benitez says he will not be making any special plans to contain the in-form City forward. 

He added: "Manchester City are a team who are doing so well in Champions League and have many good players. 

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"They have so many good players that you can't be worried just about Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne or another offensive player because they have very good midfielders and they have a very strong defence."

Benitez also confirmed he will still be without defenders Fabricio Coloccini, Daryl Janmaat and Kevin Mbabu for the clash with City.