Will St. James Park be a speed bump in Manchester City's title aspirations?
As the English Premier League heads into its final two matches for the 2011/12 campaign, the title is still very much up for grabs. Newcastle, looking to build off a very moralizing victory mid-week at Stamford Bridge, will host a Manchester City side looking to claim three points and remain in first place.
On Wednesday night Alan Pardew led his men into Stamford Bridge in front of 41,559 spectators and walked out of their with a 0-2 victory. Two stunning goals from Papiss Cisse helped move the Magpies into fifth place along with Chelsea, both even on 65 points, just one behind third placed Arsenal.
While mathematically Newcastle could still realistically dream of a possible third place finish, the only thing that isn't in their favor is the fact that their goal difference is very far behind that of Arsenal and Chelsea. Cisse's two thunderous strikes on Wednesday night not only had the football world talking, but he has setup a clash of the titans this coming Sunday.
Newcastle will have a shot at claiming a spot in the top four and a spot in the qualifying round of the Champions League next season. Meanwhile, Manchester City will arrive at St. James Park with a different perspective. After defeating Manchester United Monday night and re-claiming the top spot due to a better goal difference, Mancini's men will look to keep things rolling with a victory.
How Will Mancini and his squad approach this very important match in the title race?
This late in the season Manchester City can't afford to have another let up, considering they managed to throw away a five point lead earlier in the season. The fact that Manchester United was then up five points on City and somehow managed to let them back into the title race is remark
able.
A great all around performance at the Etihad Stadium against United not only meant first place, but also came as a big morale boost for a team that just a month or so ago had seen United pull away in first place. With just six points up for grabs Mancini will have to get his squad ready for every possible scenario.
The last time these two met this season, Manchester City defeated Newcastle 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium in November. Last season, City left St. James Park with all three points as they defeated the Magpies 1-3. Andy Carroll who is no longer with Newcastle got the only goal for the home side, while Carlos Tevez and Gareth Barry got City out to a 0-2 lead just five minutes into the match.
Will Newcastle be able to give their fans something to cheer about for the last home game of the current season? Or will Manchester City's abundance of offensive power make it a long day for Newcastle supporters?
Players To Watch:
Sergio Aguero: The Argentina International has already hit the back of the net 22 times this season and he will be looking to add to that this weekend. His pace and never give up attitude could cause a problem for Newcastle's back-line. Having someone like Carlos Tevez beside him helps to free up space, and with two very important matches remaining, Aguero will be aiming to get on the score sheet.
Papiss Cisse: The Senegalese International has made a serious impact since arriving at Newcastle. Some would argue that his two goals this week against Chelsea could be potential goals of the year. In just 12 games, he has scored 13 goals; not bad for a newcomer to the Premier League. Those two goals mid-week will have lifted Cisse's already sky high confidence level. In his final match at home for the present season, Cisse will be looking to leave his fans with another magnificent performance.
