Manchester City ended their run of four Premier League games without a win away at Stoke City last week, though by now it's probably too little, too late. Chelsea have already pulled seven points clear at the top of the table, leaving City trailing in their wake. They're still up in second place, five points clear of cross-town rivals Manchester United, but it hasn't been a particularly impressive campaign from Manuel Pellegrini's men.
Manchester City vs. Newcastle United live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch the EPL online
Manchester City have been patchy of late, but should still be able to defeat mid-table Newcastle in Saturday’s late kickoff.
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However, they should be able to record back-to-back wins for the first time this year when they host John Carver's patchy Newcastle United in Saturday's late kickoff. The Magpies have struggled since Alan Pardew departed for Crystal Palace, and it may yet prove to be a case of them not realising quite how good Pardew was until too late. Anything other than a defeat would be impressive for an injury-ravaged Newcastle.
Key player - Yaya Touré (Manchester City)
Yaya Touré isn't getting any younger, though the Ivorian is still the key cog in Manchester City's midfield. It's no surprise their struggles coincided with his departure to the Africa Cup of Nations. He's the one player they have capable of making things happen in the centre of the pitch, and he'll be the man Newcastle will be most eager to shut out.
Key matchup - Ayoze Pérez vs. Gaël Clichy
Ayoze Pérez has been a little quiet of late, but that’s no surprise considering the brilliant start to the season he made after joining Newcastle from Spanish second-tier club Tenerife in the summer. His tireless performances down the right flank impressed as much as his goalscoring touch, and he’s demonstrated quite why both Barcelona and Real Madrid were interested before he opted for the North East. In this match, he’ll relish going up against the defensively unconvincing left-back Gaël Clichy,
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: Sergio Agüero (back).
Newcastle United injuries and suspensions
Out: Siem de Jong (collapsed lung), Rolando Aarons (hamstring), Steven Taylor (calf), Rob Elliot (thigh), Paul Dummett, Cheick Tioté (knee), Jonás Gutiérrez (fitness). In doubt: None.
Manchester City should have a full-strength team available, with striker Sergio Agüero expected to recover from a back injury in time to be involved. Newcastle, however, are ravaged by injuries at present, with their squad left looking pretty thin.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 5:30 p.m. local, 12:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
TV: NBC, Mun2 (U.S. - English), NBC Universo (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet One (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. - English), Deportes Telemundo En Vivo Extra (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
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