By AFP
Manchester City appear ominously poised to strike in the Premier League title race as Pep Guardiola welcomes back key players for Saturday’s trip to Newcastle, while Manchester United can ill-afford another damaging defeat when Tottenham visit Old Trafford.
City enjoyed a near-perfect festive period as they won the Club World Cup for the first time in Saudi Arabia and then took maximum points from two Premier League games on their return while their rivals stumbled.
The defending champions are five points adrift of leaders Liverpool, but have a game in hand and are nearing a clean bill of health. Read more
