Opposition View – Newcastle United
After ten successive defeats to the boys in blue, last October saw a less than full-strength Newcastle side dump City out of the League Cup. However, the likelihood of a repeat performance this Saturday looks slim to none.
Looking over stats and past score lines on the fixture makes poor reading for fans on Tyneside. Twelve goals without a reply in the last four league games between the two sides does not bode well for United’s defence. Add to that the return of Ivory Coast pair Yaya Toure (5 goals in his last 6 league games against Newcastle) and Wilfired Bony (3 goals in 2 games facing the Magpies), not to mention Sergio Aguero shaking off his injury from last week, it looks like it can only go one way on paper.
After searching for an elusive silver lining, the fact Pellegrini will have one eye on Tuesday’s glamorous tie against Barcelona could help John Carver in his approach to the match. It’s likely key City players will be rested towards the end of Saturday’s game in order to give them the best chance of progressing in Europe, before their fate is decided later at the Camp Nou, and that they will look to see off the Magpies early on. If Coloccini and co. can help see of an early assault and see out the first half with a clean sheet, there is a small chance that they could just nick it.
Although City’s home record hasn’t been excellent of late, and with only two wins in their last six league game, it’s not likely they’re going to lie down easily after watching Chelsea potentially see off Burnley and extend their lead to ten points. Newcastle could be on the end of a comfortable beating, however, they have travelled to the Etihad with tougher tests.
In the shape of Ayoze Perez and Papiss Cisse, United do have options, however limited, and aren’t exactly lacking in firepower up front. Paired with strong runs provided from Moussa Sissoko, Carver’s men could cause problems, especially for Mangala in particular.
Unfortunately for Carver, Rolando Aarons, who stood out during the League Cup victory, has only just returned back to training this week, after a long spell in the treatment room. The exciting midfield prospect that is Remy Cabella also looks a doubt for Saturday, picking up a knock midweek. The pair aren’t the most experienced midfielders in the squad, however they are only two of a handful of players which have had Newcastle fans on the edge of their seats this season.
Saturday marks the beginning of a difficult two months for John Carver if he is hoping to propel Newcastle back up the table, before his future is decided in the summer. His side will face four of the top seven before May, with a Tyne and Wear derby chucked in for good measure. He starts that test with only four senior defenders in his side against arguably the strongest attack in the league. No pressure, John.
