Ahead of Tuesday night’s clash against relegation-threatened Newcastle United, we spoke to sports correspondent and Magpies fan John Richardson about the Toon’s chances and the threat that they could pose to City.
How would you sum Newcastle’s season up as a whole?
An absolute disaster and for once the owner Mike Ashley can’t be blamed. He laid out the cheque book and in came some decent players but to no avail. Steve McClaren looked clueless at times and will be held responsible by most Newcastle fans if the club is relegated. Rafa Benitez an excellent acquisition but has it come too late?
How much have performances improved under Rafael Benitez?
Much improved under Benitez although Southampton away was insipid and worrying. Better balance against Swansea, who appeared to be on their summer holidays.
Which players have impressed you this season?
That won’t take long. Rob Elliot, Georgi Wijnaldum and Andros Townsend. Alek Mitrovic has potential.
Leading on from that, which one Newcastle player do you think could make the difference on Tuesday night?
Townsend has the ability to unnerve defences and score goals.
Do you think that the 3-0 win over Swansea will give Newcastle the confidence to get something out of this game?
It won’t have done them any harm until they watched City dismantle Chelsea!
And finally, a score prediction please.
A hopeful 2-2.
