Rio Ferdinand says Pep Guardiola will not even have to write a team talk before Manchester City lock horns with Newcastle on Sunday afternoon (4.30pm). Yet to kick a ball this weekend, Guardiola and his men have already saw their Premier League title aspirations boosted when Liverpool were held by Tottenham on Saturday afternoon.
That came after contrasting European fortunes for the two domestic contenders, as Liverpool booked a spot in the Champions League showpiece and City saw their dreams ended courtesy of a dramatic late collapse against semi-final opponents Real Madrid. Stunned by that comeback, City have been left to pick up the pieces, but Ferdinand is adamant Guardiola and his players are back in pole position domestically.
City can move three points clear with victory over the Magpies, with three matches each still to play.
