EPL 2011-12 Newcastle United Vs Manchester City Preview

Venue: Sports Direct Arena

Kick-off:13:30 GMT on May 06, 2012

The 2011-12 season has been the most keenly-fought of all the Barclays Premier League seasons. Though the crown is likely to be claimed by one of the two Manchester clubs, there is still no clear winner with City ahead of United only on goal difference and each club has just two games left to play!  The fight for the all-important third and fourth place has become nerve-wracking, with Newcastle United, Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea, all in contention. Newcastle play host to Manchester City on Sunday in a game that could only be described as monumental.

Man City have to win this game if they wish to capture the title from Man United, given that the Red Devils have easier games left to play, compared with Mancini’s men. Having recaptured the top spot after beating Sir Alex’s boys 1-0 at home, City face a tough task away to Newcastle.  The Magpies, who achieved a surprise victory against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, would be equally desperate for a win as they hope to achieve Champions League qualification next season. The previous league encounter between the two saw City romp home with a comfortable 3-1 win. Will Alan Pardew’s wards utilize their home advantage and make amends for that loss? Or will Mancini’s expensively assembled squad continue with its fine form and dispatch the Magpies? One can only wait and watch!!!

Team news:

Manchester City

City’s keeper Hart is in a race against time to recover from the ankle injury he suffered due to a collision with Chris Smalling in the previous game. City’s back-four comprising Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott and Clichy is arguably the best in the league, having conceded a solitary goal in their last four games. Barry and Toure, who are so dominant in the mid-field, should feature in the starting XI. City’s attack, led by Argentine forward Tevez and ably supported by Nasri, Aguero and Silva, has not only been cohesive but also menacing. Overall, Mancini would start with the same team that faced United last week.

City’s probable lineup (4-2-3-1): Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy, Toure, Barry, Silva, Nasri, Aguero, Tevez

Newcastle United

Alan Pardew faces a couple of injury concerns as Steven Taylor, Gabriel Obertan and Danny Guthrie remain in the sidelines. The Magpies’ attack is led by Senegalese striker Papiss Cisse, who scored the winner against Chelsea in the last game. Gutierrez and Tiote face a daunting task in the central mid-field as they aim to match City’s attack.  After conceding four goals against Wigan, Newcastle’s defence comprising Santon, Coloccini, Williamson and Simpson put up an exceptional show to keep a clean-sheet at the Bridge.

Newcastle United’s probable line-up (4-4-2): Krul, Santon, Coloccini, Williamson, Gutierrez, Tiote, Cabaye, Demba Ba, Ben Arfa, Cissse.

 

Author’s prediction: Newcastle 1 Man. City 2

 

Tags: Arsenal, Chelsea, EPL, Manchester City, Newcastle, Prediction, Preview

Category: Football