Manchester City vs. Newcastle United Preview

The power of Manchester City simply cannot be underestimated and this is shown to full effect by Newcastle United’s odds for this forthcoming Premier League feast, with the Toon readily available at a massive 10/1 to claim all three points despite being unbeaten so far this season.

Alan Pardew’s men will undoubtedly have to pull something quite amazing out of the fire if they are to achieve that feat and close the six point gap which currently separates themselves and the league leaders.

Extending their excellent unbeaten run may be attainable however as they clearly possess the grit and team ethic to fight for a draw at Eastland’s against a City side oozing quality from all corners of the dressing room.

With ten wins from eleven, including a 1-6 hammering of their bitter rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford, Roberto Mancini’s men are tanking along faster than the proverbial juggernaut and have also started to find their feet amongst Europe’s elite in the Champions League.

Newcastle’s chances of scrapping for a point could well depend on whether the international break has interrupted City’s smooth headway and rhythm, or if indeed the club has at all been rocked by the on-going Carlos Tevez affair.

City have proved to remarkable effect that no single player is bigger than a club and despite Tevez’s unquestionable class; he has clearly not been missed thanks to the wealth of strike talent at Mancini’s disposal.

Newcastle’s back line, anchored by lynchpin Fabricio Coloccini, has looked unshakable so far, however they will face nothing short of a daunting, ruthless examination against the likes of David Silva and Sergio Aguero and the Magpies will probably need to improve further on their ultra-stout display at Stoke City if they are to hold on for the duration.

Prolific tallysman Edin Dzeko could well be rested by Mancini following his exploits with Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Euro 2012 play-offs, meaning Mario Balotelli potentially gets the nod up front.

The Italian’s blistering pace and flare could inflict real damage on the away side and he looks a great selection to bank the first goal of the game.

There is a real chance that if broken, Newcastle’s defence may fall to pieces against a side with such potent attacking ability, so City should also cover the handicap if they do force a breakthrough.

Pardew’s hard work may well start as soon as the team bus heads back up to Tyneside, as a crushing defeat will do much to shatter the high levels of confidence that his men have generated since the start of the campaign.

The Toon Army will certainly know at the end of the game whether or not their team are genuine contenders and whether or not rival fans are correct in assuming that the Geordies are currently punching well above their weight.

Regardless of whether they can resist the City onslaught, the match should by all accounts be a highly entertaining affair, with goals aplenty definitely on the cards.

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12/12/2011     © Frixo 2024