- City are unbeaten in 13 games vs. Newcastle (11-0-2)
- Newcastle have never won at the Etihad
- Man City scored in every home game in 2012-13, the only team to do that
The first Monday game of the season has arrived as Manchester City host Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium (3pm ET, watch live on NBCSN or NBC Sports Live Extra) later today.
City’s new manager Manuel Pellegrini will be making his home debut in front of a packed house in Manchester, with Newcastle aiming to get off to a good start in one of the most daunting venues in the league.
Pellegrini has bought big this summer, with Fernandinho, Alvaro Negredo, Stevan Jovetic and Jesus Navas all arriving for over $135 million. All four of the new men are expected to start for City, with their defense set in stone after an impressive season at the back in 2012-13 City kept more clean sheets, 18, than any other team last year and also conceded just 34 goals.
But these new signings will give them an extra impetus up front.
As for Newcastle, it has been a turbulent summer at St. James’ Park after Joe Kinnear was controversially appointed in the front office. Owner Mike Ashley has placed Kinnear above manager Alan Pardew and Newcastle’s fans aren’t happy with the situation in the North-East. Star striker Papiss Cisse is back on the pitch after threatening to walk out of the club following a money-lending company became the Magpies shirt sponsor. Cisse has put his religious dispute to one side and will now lead the line.
As for injuries, Sergio Aguero has overcome a knee complaint and should feature but Matija Nastasic is still out with an ankle injury. While Newcastle have fitness doubts over Davide Santon (hip), Steven Taylor (toe) and Jonas Gutierrez (hamstring). And Newcastle’s only new signing of the summer, Loic Remy from QPR, is unavailable after a calf injury.
Make sure you tune in to NBC Sports Network or watch online via NBC Sports Live Extra to see City clash with Newcastle in what should be an end-to-end encounter.
What they’re saying
Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew: “They’ve again invested heavily, Manchester City. They’re obviously going to be one of the contenders for the title so it’s a tough game for us but we’re more than ready for it.The ideal scenario is to get a result of any kind and I think we’ve got the players to do it. We carry some fabulous players - (Yohan) Cabaye, (Fabricio) Coloccini, Papiss Cisse - so we’ve got an opportunity and hopefully we can take it.”
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini: “Of course the new players – and the manager and staff - all need to time to get to know each other and I am sure that we will improve as the season progresses but we do not have that time; we have to hit the ground running and that starts against Newcastle. Supporters of Manchester City have the reputation of being a big family and I am delighted to be part of it. My job now is to win trophies and take the team forward.
Prediction
I can see this ending up as comfortable win for Man City. The new players will look to put on a show in their first home game and new manager Manuel Pellegrini will be fired up, yet composed, to get his first season in the Premier League underway. Newcastle are great going forward but not so good at the back. Expect a goal-fest and a City win.