Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer is hoping his team can bounce back from a shock loss to Fulham last weekend.
The Magpies welcome defending champions Manchester City to St. James' Park for Saturday's Premier League early kick-off, and while City will be favourites, there is a huge boost for the home side.
City will be without star midfielder Rodri who is out for the season after picking up an ACL injury against Arsenal this past weekend, and there is no doubt that Pep Guardiola's side will look and play very differently as a result of the Spaniard's absence.
With the backing of a passionate fan base at St. James' Park, Shearer believes this could be enough to inspire Eddie Howe's team to press their opponents and shock a Premier League juggernaut.
- Read more | 'We know there's talent!' - Alan Shearer highlights which misfiring Premier League star can find form this year
- Read more | 'Brilliant firepower!' - Premier League winner underlines which team can go all the way this season
"Over the years, we’ve seen some blockbuster games between Newcastle and City at St James' Park, and I’m expecting the same again for a couple of reasons," Shearer told Betfair.
"Newcastle's cup game has been cancelled so they have a free week in terms of no midweek football. Man City on the other hand will go into the game without Rodri. Having said that, Man City can still hurt you with the players they have.
"It'll be a really tough game. City will still be favourites for the title and favourites for this game but it'll be a really good atmosphere and Newcastle will have to feed off that.
"When you're as poor as they were against Fulham, you have a right of response and they have to respond in the right way because, prior to last week, without playing well they were getting results, so the match against Fulham was a bit of an eye opener and a reminder to who and what Newcastle are.
"So many games last year and the year before, Newcastle's identity was about pressing teams, being aggressive, putting teams under huge pressure with energy and determination and we haven't seen that yet this season so they have to get that back into their game. If they can do that on Saturday then it'll be really tough for Man City. I'm going to go for a draw."
Last season's Premier League encounter in the North East ended in a 3-2 for City with Oscar Bobb scoring a last gasp winner after the Blues went 2-1 down in the first half.
Watch Rhiannon Dixon vs. Terri Harper live September 28 on DAZN. Click here for details.
More Football
- Watch the Champions League on DAZN (Canada & New Zealand)
- Watch the Womens' Champions League on DAZN