Barclays Premier League: Manchester City vs Newcastle United: Match Preview, Men to Watch, Top Facts

Gameweek 31

                                         

                          

Manchester City look to bounce back from an away loss at Goodison park and entertain an inconsistent Newcastle United side. Here is a match preview, men to watch, top facts, form, and head to head for both sides.

Manchester City

Probable Line up:

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Hart, Zabaleta, Clichy, Nastasic, Kompany, Yaya Toure, Milner, Silva, Nasri, Tevez, Aguero

News:

With an almost fit squad to choose from City will be looking to win the remaining 9 games, even if they do so, there is a very slight chance of them retaining their title this time around. They have been poor throughout, the replica of last season's performance has been seldom found this year, Aguero, Silva, Yaya Toure and Kompany have not reached the heights they did last season and they have come to life a bit too late this year. With the title all but gone, City would be looking to at least go out with a bang!

Men to Watch:

David Silva

I picked him in the game against France for Spain but a niggle prevented him from playing. He has recovered and will be looking to keep up his recent good form, with assists, goals and the flair from last season returning City can hope that they can end their season well because when Silva is on song, there is no defense in the premier league which can cope with his agility, ability, vision and class. 

Form:

They were looking for maximums but have only grabbed 8 points from their last 6 games, which include losses against Everton and Southampton, and draws against QPR and Liverpool. They need to pick up points or else their second position will come under jeopardy.

TOP FACT: DAVID SILVA HAS 11 ASSISTS, THE PLAYER SECOND IN THE ASSIST LIST HAS ONLY 3.

Newcastle United

Probable Line up

Formation: 4-3-3

Elliot, Santon, Mbiwa, Taylor, Debuchy, Tiote, Cissoko, Cabaye, Ben Arfa, Cisse, Gouffran

News:

Haidara is out, possibly for the season, and there are slight doubts about Santon and Debuchy, Krul will possibly be back by 6th April and Rob Elliot will continue to deputize. Ben Arfa is back and will possibly start, while their midfield looks strong and combative to stop Manchester City. Moussa Sissoko will be the one to watch as discussed below

Men to Watch:

Moussa Sissoko

He has rejuvenated a deflating Newcastle side since his arrival in January. Power, energy, force, intelligence and pace all enclosed in a french-pack, he is the reason of the recent uplift in results for Newcastle. With three goals and three assists in the seven games he has featured for the Magpies, he looks defensively and offensively a complete article. 

Form:

Newcastle must be wishing to play all of their games at home,as they have been winning there and losing on their travels lately. Pardew has got the home formula working, now when will he get the away thing going, who knows! 3 wins out of 6, all at home mean there is very little to rely upon in this one if you are a Magpie supporter.

TOP FACT: IN THEIR LAST TEN GAMES WITH THE CITIZENS, THE MAGPIES HAVE LOST ALL DRAWING ONLY ONE!

Prediction

Manchester City 2 - 1 Newcastle United

The swing is going to continue for Newcastle, at home they will win, away the will lose, and this one they will. City can not afford to slip any further and they must win here. A narrow win for the home side is my prediction.