The Gameweek continues with a Monday night encounter under the lights of the Etihad, as Manuel Pellegrini begins his tenure at City with a Premier League clash with Newcastle.
The Chilean’s first team-sheet was much anticipated and, when it arrived, it brought one major surprise. A 4-4-2 looks on the cards with Edin Dzeko rewarded for his strong summer displays with a start up front, although few expected him to be alongside Sergio Aguero. The Argentine missed the entire pre-season but is given the nod ahead of new signing Alvaro Negredo who warms the bench – there is no place for fellow new boy, Stevan Jovetic.
Behind those two, City have David Silva and Jesus Navas prompting from the flanks, with Yaya Toure and Fernandinho screening the back four, whilst no doubt alternating to join the attack. That defence is without Matija Nastasic through injury, so Joleon Lescott earns a start alongside skipper Vincent Kompany, as expected. Gael Clichy is at left-back, while Pablo Zabaleta, fresh from inking new four-year deal, starts on the right.
It’s a daunting task for Alan Pardew’s Magpies who turn up in Manchester without Yohan Cabaye following today’s £10 million bid from Arsenal. Yoan Goufran starts, then, with Jonas Gutierrez presumably shifting to a central role and Mousa Sissoko pushed up in support of striker Papiss Cisse – a 4-2-3-1 looks the likely formation. Mapou Yanga-Mbiwai starts for the injured Davide Santon at left-back, with Steven Taylor keeping his start alongside skipper Fabricio Coloccini.
Our Dugout Discussion chatroom has opened up for tonight’s match to cater for those who like some real-time chatter with their evening’s action.
