Coming Home Newcastle - Premier League Match 1: Newcastle United vs. Manchester CityA prudent and measured bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48541/cominghome-fave.png2014-08-21T01:37:41+01:00http://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/rss/stream/57707502014-08-21T01:37:41+01:002014-08-21T01:37:41+01:00Community player ratings vs Manchester City
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<figcaption>You rated him....decently actually. | Jamie McDonald</figcaption>
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<p>The Toon lost 0-2, but there were some stand out performers in your eyes.</p> <p>It's time to close the book on the season opening loss to <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Manchester City</a>. And to do that, we look at what 142 of you had to say about player performances in the 0-2 loss. There were some surprising results in here (at least to me), that we'll get into. Like I did last year, I'll put in the graph of responses and give you some of my commentary.</p>
<h3>Goal keeper and defense</h3>
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<p>Overall, people seemed to be relatively OK with how that backline did. Maybe nothing show stopping about it. <span>Tim Krul</span> rated a 7 most often. I consider seven to be an above average game, while an eight would be considered a great game. I had no problems with how Krul did, and didn't think he had much chance of the two that City scored.</p>
<p>Out of the new signees, Janmaat was probably the least impressive in the community's eyes. It looked like he had an average day. <span>Paul Dummett</span> was a response that intrigued me. He received one vote each for a 1 or a 10. Overall, most people rated him a six. It seems like Dummett is getting the brunt of the disdain for the loss. I'm not sure that's fair, but it's how we voted.</p>
<p>It was said before, during and after the match that the back line would have to improve, and the votes here reflect that. It was a very pedestrian performance. I said on Twitter after that both goals could have been prevented. The defense did do a nice job of keeping the ball in front of them (for the most part), but with the offense coming up dry on the other end, the back line will indeed need to improve until goals start coming.</p>
<h3>Midfield</h3>
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<p>Note: <a href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Newcastle</a> came out in a 4-2-3-1, but I simplified it into 4-3-3 based off of who I felt played more forward.</p>
<p><span>Moussa Sissoko</span> was your "love him or hate him" player. The French International didn't do much to stand out, and some of you thought he was rubbish. But, he did garner some high end votes as well. Maybe a representative of each group would like to make their case below.</p>
<p>Anita and Gouffran also received pedestrian marks. This surprised me, because I felt the midfield played really well. But then again, maybe I made my divisions incorrectly. According to the stats, Gouffran had one shot (not on target, though no one from Newcastle did). His one shot came off a corner where the ball ping-ponged in the box and in typical Newcastle fashion wouldn't go in. His replacement, <span>Gabriel Obertan</span> (he does exist) failed to make much of an impression, as we has probably one of the lower rated players. He did receive one 10 rating, which I'm just assuming comes from Jim, our resident Obertan fan.</p>
<p>I feel that Aarons suffered from hype. The youngster had a good pre-season and fans were clamoring for him to get in. And when he did, it was nothing spectacular. He got away one shot and only 11 passes in his time on the pitch. He had limited minutes, but I think fans were wanting more.</p>
<h3>Forwards</h3>
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<p>I felt these three starters had the most to do with the attack, with Perez coming in for Riviere (and nearly equalizing with his first touch).</p>
<p>Well, Newcastle fans seem to love Jack Colback. The ginger gave great deliveries into the box and kept possession well. I asked afterwards what a healthy Papiss Cisse might do with those types of deliveries. With 100 votes of 8 or higher, he was your Man of the Match.</p>
<p>The other new signings impressed as well, with Cabella also receiving high marks. Riviere didn't score as high, but still, people liked that they saw. Now, I have to think this is partly because for the last half of the year, we watched a Newcastle side that looked incredibly disinterested in scoring. With there being attacking intent, the Geordies were in love. But, remember, no shots got on target. That will (obviously) need to be improved going forward. The new signings did little to damper enthusiasm, but they need to bring their quality up just a hair for the results to show.</p>
<h3><span>Alan Pardew</span></h3>
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<p>Last season, I asked how the community felt about the club's tactics and subs. That was in addition to rating Pardew. I'm hoping to streamline it a bit this year, but if you want those questions back, we can add them.</p>
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<p>Overall, people were....let's call it "satisfied" with Alan Pardew. He garnered mostly sevens, and then even a couple of 10's. I felt that Pardew had a good game plan (read: he HAD a game plan for City) and the players had a good attitude out on the pitch. But, people have been calling for him to be sacked for awhile now, and the ones and twos don't surprise me (and wouldn't had we pulled out a shock 5-0 win). It seems that people are somewhat willing to give Pardew a little credit and see how he does with the new signings. The verdict after Match 1: You're just OK. Obviously, a draw would have tilted opinion a bit, but for now it seems like the fans will give Pardew the shortest of leashes.</p>
https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/2014/8/21/6051253/community-player-ratings-against-manchester-city51dimes2014-08-17T18:02:57+01:002014-08-17T18:02:57+01:00Player Poll: Newcastle 0-2 Manchester City
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<figcaption>Rate Colback and the lads. | Stu Forster</figcaption>
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<p>How did you think Newcastle's players did? Rate the lads after their opening day loss.</p> <p>Just looking at the scoreline, you might be tempted to say, "same old Newcastle." They conceded, they couldn't score, they didn't look good.</p>
<p>But, there was a lot to be encouraged about. Newcastle had their chances and may have been unlucky to not score. Newcastle held their own against City, but the Champions had two moments of brilliance to seal the win on opening day.</p>
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<p>Who impressed you? Who didn't register well? Vote in the player poll below. You must register a vote for all the starters. Rating the subs and Alan Pardew is optional. We'll have a results post later on this week.</p>
<p><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Gk603rAjvGgZB7Lp5rb-ngt4IslXCjX5R9eDpg72-I0/viewform?embedded=true" width="760" height="500" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading...</iframe></p>
https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/2014/8/17/6027061/player-poll-newcastle-0-2-manchester-city51dimes2014-08-17T17:54:13+01:002014-08-17T17:54:13+01:00Newcastle 0-2 Manchester City
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<img alt="The new signings put on a decent show, but Newcastle couldn't convert." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MclNXZ7XdatC-OtjZiDO9BD4sI4=/0x30:4000x2697/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37063238/453736458.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>The new signings put on a decent show, but Newcastle couldn't convert. | Stu Forster</figcaption>
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<p>Newcastle have their chances, but can't convert in their opening day loss.</p> <p>Newcastle started strong, but lacked finish in their 0-2 loss to Manchester City.</p>
<p>Newcastle's new signings were able to put on a good display in the first half, but never really threatened Joe Hart's goal. The Mags had the run of play for most of the first half, but fell asleep for just a moment. The result was David Silva scoring his first of the season and giving City a 1-0 lead into the halftime break.</p>
<p>The second half started off strong as well for Newcastle, but once again their chances went lacking. Jack Colback put in a couple good deliveries on set pieces, but in one instance, Gouffran couldn't find a good angle to get it through the defense. In another Paul Dummett's header went well over the bar with Hart well off his line. Newcastle showed plenty of attacking intent, but could not find the finish.</p>
<p>Newcastle picked up their pace in the latter stages of the match. Ayoze Perez made his debut in the 84th minute and very nearly equalized with his first touch. But, Newcastle could not find the right combination. Just like in the first half, City scored a late goal with Sergio Aguerro slotting one home in stoppage time to double City's lead and seal all three points for the champions.</p>
<p>It was a discouraging result, especially given that it was another loss to Manchester City. However, there was a lot to like from Newcastle's performance in the opener. It may be another loss, but this is not the same Newcastle side we saw the last half of last season. A player ratings poll will be up shortly.</p>
https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/2014/8/17/6026849/instant-reaction-newcastle-0-2-manchester-city51dimes2014-08-17T16:02:07+01:002014-08-17T16:02:07+01:00NUFC vs. City Game Thread
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<figcaption>Jamie McDonald</figcaption>
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<p>Newcastle United take on Manchester City to open up their premier league seasons.</p> <p>I don't know why Haidara isn't starting.</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NUFC?src=hash">#NUFC</a> v <a href="https://twitter.com/MCFC">@MCFC</a> (4-2-3-1): Krul; Janmaat, Williamson, Coloccini (c), Dummett; Anita, Colback; Sissoko, Cabella, Gouffran; Riviere. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NEWMCI?src=hash">#NEWMCI</a></p>
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/NUFC/statuses/501005536574603264">August 17, 2014</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NUFC?src=hash">#NUFC</a> subs v <a href="https://twitter.com/MCFC">@MCFC</a>: Elliot, Haidara, S.Taylor, Abeid, Obertan, Aarons, Perez. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NEWMCI?src=hash">#NEWMCI</a></p>
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/NUFC/statuses/501005727176327168">August 17, 2014</a>
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<p>TEAM NEWS: Hart, Clichy, Kompany (C), Demichelis, Kolarov, Fernando, Toure, Nasri, Silva, Jovetic, Dzeko <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mcfc?src=hash">#mcfc</a></p>
— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MCFC/statuses/501005706481643520">August 17, 2014</a>
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<p>SUBS: Caballero, Boyata, Zabaleta, Milner, Fernandinho, Navas, Aguero <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mcfc?src=hash">#mcfc</a></p>
— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MCFC/statuses/501005800081752065">August 17, 2014</a>
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https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/2014/8/17/6026677/newcastle-vs-manchester-city-lineups-kickoff-time-and-moreAlfie Crow2014-08-16T14:40:40+01:002014-08-16T14:40:40+01:00Newcastle United vs. Manchester City Match Preview
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<figcaption>Stu Forster</figcaption>
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<p>It's the opening match of the season, which means 0 points, of course.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle</a> United host <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a> in their opening match of the 2014-15 Premier League season. Newcastle fans are cautiously optimistic about the upcoming campaign after a relatively successful <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors">transfer window</a>, while City will be looking to defend their title.</p>
<h4><span>Recent History</span></h4>
<p><span></span>Newcastle and City kicked their seasons off against each other last year as well. The result at the Etihad was a 0-4 thrashing that none of us should want to revisit. The return fixture was a 0-2 defeat for the Toon, but it featured a Cheik Tiote goal that was wrongly disallowed while the score was still level. Since their return to the Premier League, Newcastle have lost all 8 of their ties with City, with a combined score of 4-23.</p>
<h4><span>Team News</span></h4>
<p><span>Papiss Cisse is still recovering from his fractured patella and will be unavailable, as expected. <span>Davide Santon</span> also has a knee injury and is out until at least September. Ryan Taylor is listed as unavailable by all of the journalists that cover the team, even though he has returned to training following his ACL injury over a year ago. The big news for the Toon is that Siem de Jong and Cheik Tiote will </span><a href="http://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/2014/8/15/6005857/siem-de-jong-cheick-tiote-injury-newcastle-united" target="_blank">miss this week</a><span> with what were originally classed as "minor" injuries.</span></p>
<p><span><span>Manuel Pellegrini</span> has several players that are seeking match fitness, including <span>Vincent Kompany</span>, <span>Bacary Sagna</span>, and Kun Aguero. New signing <span>Eliaquim Mangala</span> has already been ruled out as he is integrated into the team. Alvaro Negredo, who is nursing a foot injury, is the only other player certain to miss out for the Citizens.</span></p>
<h4><span>The Match</span></h4>
<p><span><span>Alan Pardew</span> always turtles against Manchester City, hoping to grab a counter. It never works, and Newcastle always give up at least 3 goals anyway. We could hope for something different, but that would be rather foolish. An extremely defensive shape is likely.</span><br> <span></span><br> <span>One of the reasons for City’s consistent success against the Toon, aside from the gulf in class, is that they will press everywhere for 90 minutes, something the Newcastle players have never been able to deal with very well.</span></p>
<p><span></span>After a season of change at St James' Park, expect everything to be the same on Sunday.</p>
<h4>Possible Lineups</h4>
<p>Pardew's lineup in the final preseason match looks rather predictive:</p>
<p>Krul | Janmaat, Williamson, Coloccini, Haïdara | Sissoko, Anita, Colback, Gouffran | Cabella | Rivière</p>
<p>Pellegrini won't publicly commit to <span>Joe Hart</span>, but Caballero hasn't exactly earned a start. Guessing that Agüero will be held out.</p>
<p>Hart | Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Kolarov | Fernandinho, Touré | Silva, Jovetic, Nasri | Dzeko</p>
<h4><span>Prediction</span></h4>
<p>Given the Toon's history against City, I can't very well predict anything but a loss. I was feeling relatively optimistic a week ago; less so now that de Jong and Tiote are unavailable. 1-3 to City.</p>
https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/2014/8/16/6019073/newcastle-united-nufc-manchester-city-mcfc-match-preview-team-news-projected-lineupsRobert L. Bishop2014-08-15T19:04:44+01:002014-08-15T19:04:44+01:00KYEC: An interview with City blog Bitter & Blue
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<figcaption>Laurence Griffiths</figcaption>
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<p>We spoke with Manchester City blog Bitter & Blue ahead of Sunday's match.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle</a> United open their season on Sunday when they host <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a>. It is their second straight year to open with a match against the Citizens, who currently hold the Premier League title. I sat down with Sonics097 of SB Nation's excellent Manchester City blog, <a href="http://bitterandblue.sbnation.com" target="_blank">Bitter & Blue</a>, to ask him our community-submitted questions.</p>
<p><b>Coming Home Newcastle:</b><span> Every team has strengths and weaknesses. In your opinion, what is City's biggest strength, and what is their biggest weakness?</span></p>
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<span><b>Bitter & Blue: </b>Our biggest strength is probably our center midfielders. I wouldn't have said that last season, but upgrading Fernando over Javi Garcia means we have 3 CMs who complement each other quite well; Fernando who will be the anchor man and eat up the space between the defense and midfield, Fernandinho who will be the box-to-box guy with the endless engine, and Toure, who will rumble his tank further up the pitch and not need to track back as much (ideal, since he's not that great at that). They probably won't all play at the same time too often as there is no need for it against the weaker teams, but I could certainly see it being used in Europe. Our biggest weakness probably remains our belief in Champions League matches. Over the years, we've seen City be utterly dominated by some stronger teams in games both home and away. The worrying thing about those performances was the lack of confidence from a team swelling with stars. We need to play with the same swagger in Europe as we do in England if we want to progress in the Champions League. <br></span>
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<div><span><b>CHN:</b> How much are you looking forward to winning your season opener 0-4?</span></div>
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<div><span><b>B&B:</b> Haha, I don't think we'll get away with it so easily this time. Last season was nice, but I don't expect Newcastle to lay down again, or for City to be too sharp in the first game. </span></div>
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<div><span><b>CHN: </b>Did you get Yaya a birthday card? More seriously, do you want to see Pellegrini divide the sqaud into essentially PL squad and a CL/Cup squad with maybe a few crossovers so that everyone is fresh and also maybe happier with their playing time?</span></div>
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<div><span><b>B&B:</b> I've already baked Yaya's cakes for his next 4 birthdays. If he wants to not end up in the hospital, he probably shouldn't eat them, but hey, it's the thought that counts. While we have a squad deep enough to field two teams, I don't know that it would even be realistic to do so. We'll have injuries no doubt. Kompany always misses at least 1/4 of the season, Silva will typically miss some time, and Aguero's legs are made of glass now. I'd like for Pellegrini to keep the same rotation policies as last season with the exception of Fernandinho and Zabaleta. Those two guys played way too many minutes and need to rest some more this year. </span></div>
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<div><span><b>CHN: </b>Will there be any adjustments to City’s style of play this year? If not, do you feel NUFC has improved their talent enough to at least be competitive?<br></span></div>
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<div><span><b>B&B:</b> I don't think there will be any major changes. There will be occasional use of a 3 CM lineup, but as I said before I don't see that happening much outside of the hardest matches. The core of the team remains the same. That being said, I think Newcastle have improved anyways. I don't know how things have been going with tactics, chemistry, etc., but I imagine they'll be up for it in the season opener. </span></div>
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<div><span><b>CHN:</b> Do you see City sticking with 2 up front (or at least 2 strikers by trade playing) for the duration of the season, or will they change it up and favour the wings more in order to gain more of a footing in Europe?<br></span></div>
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<div><span><b>B&B: </b>We'll definitely play the 2 striker lineup often. Negredo has a broken leg and Aguero is still unfit following the World Cup, but Dzeko is still around and Stevan Jovetic has been nothing short of awesome in the preseason. After missing practically all of last season with various injuries he will inject a new element in the attack and I imagine he will feature heavily at the start of the season, at least until he gets hurt. I'm really excited to see him play this season. In Europe I would imagine we see more cover in the wide midfield/wing areas, but it might not necessarily equate to wing play going forward. The team's philosophy typically relies on the wing backs bombing forward to occupy those channels so there is less need for true wingers in the team. This enables guys like Nasri to play wide but cut inside constantly and sift through the center. </span></div>
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<div><span><b>CHN: </b>Can we have one of your eleventy billion strikers? If you had to give one away for a fair price, which one would it be?</span></div>
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<div><span><b>B&B: </b>That's a good question, but probably an easy one to answer at this point. I'd give up Negredo at a fair price (and no, not just cause he's injured right now). Dzeko manages to find 15-20 goals a season, Jovetic has bags of potential still in his locker, and Aguero is, well, Aguerooooo. </span></div>
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<div><span><b>CHN: </b>Who is one under-the-radar player that could play a significant role this weekend?</span></div>
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<div><span><b>B&B: </b>Tough call as most of City's guys are well-profiled at this point. I'd put my money on Kolarov, though. He was immense last season and I'd expect to see the Serb flying down the left wing regularly again on Sunday. Of course Pellegrini could opt for Clichy (nothing wrong with that) but I'd bank on Kolarov starting. </span></div>
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<div><span><b>CHN:</b> What matchup are you most looking forward to this weekend?</span></div>
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<div><span><b>B&B: </b>That's a good question, made harder by the fact that I don't know a whole lot about Janmaat, Riviere, or Cabella just yet. I think I'd have to go with the battle in the center of the park. Will Newcastle start Anita and Colback together? If so they will likely have their hands full vs. Toure and Fernandinho. If City can control this area they'll likely control possession for large chunks of the 90. </span></div>
<div><span>PS- what's up with Ben Arfa? Is he going to be a starter this year?</span></div>
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<div><span><b>CHN: </b>If you were <span>Alan Pardew</span>, how would you approach a match against City?</span></div>
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<div><span><b>B&B: </b>Duck and cover? Just kidding. I'd try to follow the blueprint that was successful against City last season: press high, and pack the middle of the park. When City aren't allowed to play their style they get frustrated and doors open up for the opposition. Emphasis should also be placed on starting the game quickly and keeping City uncomfortable straight from the start. </span></div>
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<div><span><b>CHN: </b>What has to happen for you to consider this season a success?</span></div>
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<div><span><b>B&B: </b>We'll need to at the very least be in the PL race right until the end, and progress further in the Champions League. This year we should be in Pot 2 for the draw so our chances of winning the group are better. We need to start making a statement in Europe. A minimum of one trophy would be nice, but I don't like setting requirements like that.</span></div>
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<div><span><b>CHN: </b>Would you like to make a prediction for this match?</span></div>
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<div><span><b>B&B: </b>I'll go with 2-1 to City. I don't expect us to be at our sharpest as several starters (Kompany, Demichelis, Zabaleta/Sagna, Fernandinho) didn't even play in the preseason matches.</span></div>
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<div>My thanks to Sonics097 for taking the time to answer our questions. Please visit <a href="http://bitterandblue.sbnation.com" target="_blank">Bitter & Blue</a> for all things Manchester City.</div>
https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/2014/8/15/6006571/newcastle-united-nufc-manchester-city-mcfc-match-previewRobert L. Bishopsonics0972014-08-15T15:23:51+01:002014-08-15T15:23:51+01:00De Jong, Tiote out vs. City
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<figcaption>Paul Thomas</figcaption>
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<p>The Toon will be without two starting midfielders against Manchester City on Sunday.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle</a> United will be without new signing <span>Siem de Jong</span> and veteran Cheik Tiote against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a> on Sunday as both players are dealing with injuries, <a href="http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/11413244._/" target="_blank">according to multiple reports</a>.</p>
<p>De Jong is dealing with a calf injury that has had him sidelined for the last few friendlies, but according to <span>Alan Pardew</span> he should be fit for the Toon's matchup with Villa. Tiote on the other hand is dealing with a hamstring injury and will be out at least another week.</p>
<p>Without the pair of midfielders in friendlies, Newcastle has still looked good in keeping possession and setting up scores without the pair.</p>
<p>De Jong, who was purchased from Ajax this summer, is expected to play a creative role in the advanced midfield, but it looks like Remy Cabella may be the man that gets the call short-term.</p>
https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/2014/8/15/6005857/siem-de-jong-cheick-tiote-injury-newcastle-unitedRobert L. BishopAlfie Crow2014-08-11T14:00:03+01:002014-08-11T14:00:03+01:00Give us your Manchester City questions
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<figcaption>Ross Kinnaird</figcaption>
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<p>Our traditional pre-match Q&A with rival bloggers is back. Give us your Manchester City questions ahead of Sunday's match.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle</a> United will host <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a> to open their Premier League campaign for the second straight year, and for the second straight year we will start our coverage of the match by conducting a question and answer session with <a href="http://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/" target="_blank">Bitter & Blue</a>, the SB Nation blog for the Citizens.</p>
<p>As always, we like to provide our readers with the opportunity to pose their own questions to the bloggers we'll be conversing with, and this has proven to be a successful tactic in the past. I've included a few generic questions below that I will typically ask bloggers of any team, in case you need some inspiration. However, more specific questions will produce a better interview. Feel free to ask anything you like in the comments section, and I will pass them on.</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span>How are you feeling about Manchester City at this point in time?</span></li>
<li><span>What do you expect to get out of this match?</span></li>
<li><span>Who is one under-the-radar player we can expect to play a significant role?</span></li>
<li><span>What individual matchup are you looking forward to most this weekend?</span></li>
<li><span>What has to happen for you to consider this season a success? </span></li>
</ul>
https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/2014/8/11/5989405/newcastle-united-nufc-manchester-city-mcfc-match-previewRobert L. Bishop