MCFC 2012/2013: Manchester City v Newcastle United

DATE: 30/03/13

KICK OFF: 15.00pm

VENUE: Etihad Stadium

PREDICTION: 2-0

Preview

Roberto Mancini has finally admitted the title race is 'over', but will demand a strong finish to the season from his misfiring stars.

Yaya Toure was the star of the show against the Toon Army last season and will be again in Saturday's afternoon fixture, this time for more controversial reasons. Although the Ivorian has rejected claims he is set for a move to French money-bags Paris Saint Germain, his future still remains uncertain.

Roberto Mancini has broken his silence since City's 2-0 defeat away at Everton, stating that both Yaya and himself will be staying at the club for a long time to come. Whether his claims are true or not only he knows, but an aura of uncertainty will definitely be circulating round the Etihad this weekend.

Newcastle go into the tie still fuming at the FA's decision not to punish Callum McManaman's horrific tackle on Massadio Haidara. Extraordinarily, the FA, Roberto Martinez and even Wigan owner Dave Whelan have all seemingly ignored the hideousness of the challenge which could have broken the young Frenchman's leg.

Injury has been a common theme for Alan Pardew's side this season and has indubitably affected their less than impressive league position. City's record against Newcastle is encouraging for the Citizen's, but will Pardew's French revolution cause an upset?

Line-Up

City fans could see Aguero, Kompany and fan favourite Micah Richards all return to the side this weekend.

Much to Mancini's fury, Vinny turned out for Belgium in the week but on a more positive note, the captain could line up in the centre of defence on Saturday. Whether or not he'll break the solid partnership between Kolo and Nastasic is yet to be seen.

The City faithful are dying to see Micah in action, but again, taking Zabaleta's place is no mean feat. I'd expect to see a late cameo from the right back rather than a full 90 minutes.

Aguero was sent home from Argentina's camp last week which doesn't bode well for his chances this weekend. Tevez and Dzeko likely to start up front again.

Head to Head

City's home record against the Magpies is extremely impressive. Since the Premier League began, the Blues have recorded 40 wins in 76 games on home turf, scoring 136 goals in the process.

Remarkably, Newcastle have never won at the Etihad and you have to go back to September 2000 to pick out their last win away to the Citizens.

Although the title may be over for City, they'll be expecting nothing less than a win on Saturday.

Key Men

Yohan Cabaye

The 27 year old has been the main man for the Magpies with 6 goals from midfield in 25 appearances this season. Although Newcastle has struggled for goals this year and have lost their threat in the box, Cabaye can always pick out the top corner from a free-kick. City will have to be wary.

Yaya Toure

It will be interesting to see how Yaya reacts to the recent media talk. He has stated that his future lies at City 'for the moment' (words that will concern City fans) and seems open to a move elsewhere. Is his new, distasteful attitude money orientated or just the result of a poor season? Hopefully his performance will show some dedication this weekend.

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