The Manchester City fans in the Transfer Tavern are feeling confident ahead of their clash with Rafa Benitez’s struggling Newcastle United side this evening.

Pep Guardiola’s side will be hoping to produce another stunning performance on the road and dismantle the Magpies at St James’ Park tonight. In this day and age, City’s recent record against most clubs is fairly impressive, but their record against Newcastle is particularly damning for the Toon Army propping up the bar here. Newcastle have not managed to record a single victory over City since a solitary Michael Owen goal proved enough for Graeme Souness’ side to claim a 1 nil victory in 2005.

Since that fixture, the two clubs have clashed 19 times in the Premier League with City claiming victory on a startling 16 occasions.

The statistics do not bode well for Rafa Benitez even with his side’s home advantage this evening, but the past results should give the player’s in black and white plenty of motivation to put the record straight and cause a huge upset in the Premier League.

However, the extent of City’s dominance this season suggests they should be able to see off the challenge of Newcastle with relative ease and take another huge step towards winning the title.

Guardiola has never been shy of mixing up his team, and considering the physical demands associated with the hectic Christmas period, he would be wise to introduce some of his talented young players to the starting line-up this evening.

With that being said, here are two young players Guardiola should consider starting against Newcastle tonight.

Brahim Diaz

Phil Foden has grabbed plenty of headlines this season and for good reason, but Diaz’s performances in City blue have gone slightly under the radar.

The 18-year-old Spaniard clearly has the potential to be a really special player if he is given the right opportunities to develop under Guardiola.

For such a young player, Diaz’s confidence to run at the opposition and take on defenders is quite extraordinary.

If City want to compete for four trophies this season, then Guardiola will need to rotate his squad during this crucial part of the season and lend Diaz an opportunity to impress under the Premier League spotlight.

Tosin Adarabioyo

Whenever Adarabioyo has been called upon so far this season, he has looked composed and intelligent in City’s back-line.

For all of City’s strength in depth, there is no doubt that they are slightly struggling for options at centre-back with John Stones and Vincent Kompany out injured.

Eliaquim Mangala continues to look unconvincing in City’s back-line, particularly in comparison to Adarabioyo, who has looked much more comfortable when he has been called upon this season.

If City want to increase their solidity in defence, they should give Adarabioyo an opportunity to impress in the Premier League from the outset alongside Nicolas Otamendi.