Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes that Newcastle United could be contenders for the Premier League title this season if they manage the demands that come with competing in multiple competitions.
The Magpies have enjoyed a meteoric rise since the Saudi-backed takeover of the club was completed at the end of 2021, swapping relegation battles with qualification for the Champions League.
Indeed, Eddie Howe's side will compete in the Champions League this season for the first time in two decades after finishing fourth in the Premier League last season, exceeding the expectations of many despite splashing the cash on a number of top signings.
Newcastle, who also reached the EFL Cup final last season, have since bolstered their squad further this summer, spending over £125m on Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes and Valentino Livramento, and Chelsea teenager Lewis Hall is set to become their fourth and final addition.
Many have tipped the Magpies to challenge again for a top-four finish this season, while the club's hierarchy have long-term ambitions to finish at the Premier League summit and win their first top-flight title since 1926-27.
Newcastle made an excellent start to the new season with a thumping 5-1 home victory over Aston Villa last weekend, and they are now preparing for one of their toughest challenges away against treble winners Man City on Saturday evening.
Ahead of the intriguing contest at the Etihad Stadium, City boss Guardiola has heaped praise on Newcastle and believes that they may have the credentials to challenge for the title this season.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Guardiola said: "If [Newcastle] handle the competitions this season, the Champions League, the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and the Premier League. If they handle it well they can compete but it's completely different when you play one game a week or four games a week but if they are able to handle it, of course they are contenders.
"[Newcastle are] a Champions League team. If you are a team that qualifies for Champions League next season it's because you are a really good team. Nobody believed what would happen last season and look what happened. And they continue with this.
"Eddie Howe has built a fantastic, fantastic team for many reasons, in build-up in transitions and ball possession. They control everything and it will be a massive test for us."
After winning the UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla on Wednesday, Guardiola has insisted that his Man City side are "ready" for the challenge against Newcastle and he has encouraged his players to prove themselves again if they wish to remain at the summit of English and European football.
"Of course we are ready. We need these type of challenges when we want what we want. We are the team everyone wants to beat," said the Catalan boss.
"The challenge is to prove ourselves again. It's always how you overcome [challenges] that defines if you are a good team or not. We face difficulties with the injuries we have, the calendar. This is the challenge we have to take a step forward. We need that. That is what it is."
Man City - who will be without John Stones and Bernardo Silva for Saturday's game - have an exceptional record against Newcastle as they have won six and drawn two of their last eight league meetings by an aggregate score of 28-8, scoring at least three goals in five of those encounters with the Magpies.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have not claimed maximum points at Man City since September 2000 when Alan Shearer scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory at Maine Road.
