Newcastle could be perfect opponent for Man City to bounce back from Real Madrid shock

Pep Guardiola has often referred to Manchester City's hectic fixture schedule as unhelpful, even if he accepts frequent fixtures as necessary if City want to fight on four fronts every year.

Ahead of City's clash with Newcastle this weekend, Guardiola may be thankful for a short turnaround after the shock of what happened in Madrid on Wednesday. City should have been returning to the Etihad as Champions League finalists, but an inexplicable comeback from Real Madrid within 90 seconds either side of the 90-minute mark sparked another European collapse from the Blues.

Guardiola looked unsure of what to say after the game, giving reporters a basic overview of the game but little in the way of excuses or analysis. The players looked stunned and devastated, and they have kept a low profile on social media in the following days. Now, they must somehow raise themselves for a tough test against Newcastle. The resurgent Magpies might be the perfect opponent.

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City generally have a good record against Newcastle, especially at home. The Blues have won their last five fixtures with Newcastle in all competitions, and have lost just once in the last 13 meetings between the sides, winning ten of those meetings. At home, City have won six in a row and Newcastle have never won at the Etihad in the Premier League, winless in their last 17 league trips to City, and on a run of 12 league defeats at the Etihad in a row.

Pep Guardiola has lost one of his ten clashes with Newcastle, and the 4-0 win at St James' Park was a lesson in soaking up pressure then asserting dominance. Newcastle have undoubtedly improved since then with 10 wins from the following 18