Monday night at home to Manchester City – this promises to be a pivotal game in what has been an extremely turbulent start to the season for Newcastle United. A sterling fightback against Everton to claim a draw last time out, has shown that Joe Kinnear has instilled some fight into the side. However, this needs to continue against big-spending City.
However, Newcastle will have to do this without Michael Owen (groin), who definitely misses this game and is also extremely doubtful for the Wear/Tyne derby, the following Saturday. However, right-back Habib Beye is expected to return to the side, as is Jonas Gutierrez and also possibly Obafemi Martins who has made a speedy recovery. The return of three key players should serve as a boost to the side. As for Man City – Robinho is expected to be fit, after picking up a knock playing for Brazil earlier in the week.
The game goes out live on Setanta Sports, on Monday night.
John Ferguson Burn
