Manchester City v Newcastle - Match Preview

What to make of Newcastle’s upcoming fixture against Man City? On the back of another week where fans are still deciding whether a) Newcastle are any good, or b) they actually care enough, we find ourselves no further along in answering either question.

The Chelsea game came as welcome relief after a dire series of performances, but there remains that nagging suspicion that when a big team comes to town, the players naturally raise their game. When the onus is on them, when the pressure demands (see last 5 games v Sunderland), Newcastle badly falter. This is McClaren’s biggest task. I wrote earlier this year that McClaren has a history of inconsistency when it comes to beating big fish and losing to minnows. Of course, the only fish Newcastle have beaten thus far is a goldfish named Northampton, but Man Utd (a); Arsenal (H); and Chelsea (H) warmed the heart – West Ham (A); Swansea (A); Watford (H); and Sheff Wed (H) raised the blood pressure.

So, in this context perhaps Man City arrives at a good time. Their own form has taken a turn, and any theory of an early title celebration has been thoroughly dispelled. Newcastle’s league record at the Etihad is abysmal, but who can forget last year, when the Toon did a Sheffield Wednesday – stuck out the kids and beat a star-laden team. I was almost convinced Pardew knew what he was doing. Almost.

Again, the hope for this game, as it has been against all the big teams, is the defence shows up, we dig in, and Mitrovic knocks one in with 5 to go. It seems to McClaren’s blueprint (Pards in disguise). It might also go someway to explain why Newcastle have struggled against lesser teams. You know, they actually have to retain possession, create scoring opportunities etc. If anything, just put in a decent performance lads. The last time I remember being satisfied after a league trip to the Etihad was the one where Nigel de Jong crushed Ben Arfa’s leg. Chris Hughton’s boys were extremely unlucky after that one – and I’m still fuming about it. Remember? They shouldn’t have had a penalty for the first goal, de Jong should have been sent off, and we should have had a penalty at the end!

Team News:

Young Mbabu (insert joke about back pockets and Pedro) was superb against Chelsea. I haven’t seen McClaren’s weekly ramblings but I assume he’ll remain in place ahead of Haidara and Dummett, both presumably still on the sidelines. Perez must start – why has not been starting the whole time?

Apparently Colback is struggle, so it will be interesting who McClaren sticks in to preserve his hallowed 4-2-3-1. Perhaps Wijnaldum, with Perez, Sissoko and… Thauvin? Though Thauvin is clearly out of favour after his shambolic first half against Wednesday.

Prediction:

I’m a solid 0-7 on Newcastle predictions so far, and I’ll look to make it 0-8 by going 2-1 City. The first goal, as ever, will be crucial.