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.
Nevertheless, the 44-year-old does not want his players to run out for Sunday's clash with City at St James' Park feeling inferior.