Newcastle v Manchester City: Premier League match preview

A look ahead to this today's Premier League fixture at St James’ Park

Alvaro Negredo reacts after missing a chance to score during Manchester City's 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers (GETTY IMAGES)

Alan Pardew will have to put his attempts to sign Loic Remy on a permanent deal on hold as Newcastle look to continue their hunt for European qualification with a positive result against Manchester City.

Due to a superb first-half to the season, reminiscent of their fifth place finish two seasons ago, the Magpies find themselves just one point off the Europa League places and six points off the Champions League positions.

Remy has of course been instrumental in their success. The Magpies struggled at the back end of last season when Demba Ba moved to Chelsea but Remy has replaced his goals, netting ten times since his loan transfer from QPR.

Manchester City will be confident of repeating their 4-0 drubbing of Newcastle in the opening weekend of the season but their away record still has a few eyebrows raised, with regards to their title credentials.

Despite sitting pretty in second place, only one point from the top, they have only won 40 per cent of their away games. Manuel Pellegrini seems to have addressed this issue as of late, with the Citizens now unbeaten in four away games in the league, with three wins in those four.

City will be heading into this game on the back of their 6-0 Capital One Cup semi-final win over West Ham and with the reputation of being the league’s top-scorers.

KICK-OFF: Sunday, 2.05pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Newcastle 0 Manchester City 2 (Negredo, Dzeko), League Cup, October 2013

Manchester City 4 (Silva, Aguero, Toure, Nasri) Newcastle 0, Premier League, August 2013

Manchester City 4 (Tevez, Silva, Kompany, Perch og) Newcastle 0, Premier League, March 2013

STATS…

Newcastle have not beaten Manchester City since 2005.

Manchester City share the record for the best passing success rate, with Swansea (86.5%)

Newcastle are on a nine match losing streak against Manchester City.

ODDS…

Newcastle to win: 5.50

Manchester City to win: 1.65

Draw: 3.80

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 at 2.05pm, Highlights on BBC1 at 10.25pm