Isak has doubts about facing the Premier League champions, says Howe

The Magpies welcome the visit of Pep Guardiola’s side, unbeaten in the division since December 2023, to Tyneside as they look to bounce back from last weekend’s 3-1 defeat at Fulham.

Even though he starts against the Cottagers, Howe is hoping Isak – who has scored in his last two home games against Man City – will overcome a toe injury to face the Premier League champions, who are the last team to beat Newcastle on home soil could in January.

Here are some of the manager’s key talking points from Friday morning’s pre-match media briefing at the Newcastle United Media Centre.

To the team news:

“We don’t have anyone coming back who was out. Matt (Targett) has had an eczema flare-up that he has been nursing for the past few weeks.

“We hope to get him back to training today but he will not be involved in the game (against Man City). As for recent injuries, Alex (Isak) is still struggling with his toe injury and will be questionable tomorrow. “He hasn’t trained yet so we have to make a decision on him.”

On the postponement of the third round of the Carabao Cup against AFC Wimbledon, with the cup match now being played at St James’ Park on Tuesday 1st October:

“It gave us an opportunity to train, which was probably a good thing for us. We had two really good days and then worked with the team and tried to resolve some of the issues from the Fulham game.”

“I see it as positive. I am satisfied with the work done and we are aiming for better performance.”

Looking for a reaction to last weekend’s defeat at Fulham:

“It was one of those games where we analyzed a lot and took a lot from it to implement it into our game. We didn’t like some honest conversations this week (and there were), so hopefully we’ll respond.

“We always have to deliver. There’s always that pressure, but I think we have a responsibility to be our true selves, show up and do our best.”

“Last week didn’t reflect our style and way of playing particularly well. We have to learn from it and come back stronger. We have to go one step further this weekend.”

On the challenge of facing the Premier League champions and aiming for a fifth consecutive English league title:

“After this game, the next game is extremely important for us. Everyone will be highly motivated very well.

“We must carry a threat within us; We have to be an attacking force in the game. We must be that attacking force and not forget what we are good at. Our challenge is to be competitive and try to prevail in the game.”

On previous meetings with Man City, who are unbeaten in their last ten league games against the Magpies:

“We had some really good games against them at home, some of them were almost moments for us. We felt like we did a lot of things right, but we didn’t get the right result last season. I think it shows that against this type of opponent and the quality that Manchester City have, you have to go all out every minute.”