Newcastle ‘don’t fear’ Manchester City, says boss Eddie Howe

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe wants his players to treat Manchester City as “equals” (Richard Sellers/PA)

Eddie Howe has ordered Newcastle to consider themselves “equals” to Manchester City’s superstars as they attempt to upset the reigning Premier League champions.

Howe guided the Magpies to top-flight safety last season, despite the club winning none of their first 14 games, and has high hopes of building upon an 11th place finish with 49 points – some 44 adrift of Pup Guardiola’s men – with the financial backing of the club’s wealthy owners.