November 19, 2011 10:00 AM EST
Etihad Stadium, Manchester — Manchester
Can the Premier League's meanest defence stop its most extravagant attack?
Who would have thought that Fabricio Coloccini would be starring as one of the top flight's most dependable defenders? He was shocking in Newcastle's 2008-09 relegation season, but this campaign he's been outstanding as Alan Pardew has made consistency the key word. The back four has been unchanged in every league game.
Of course, this is their toughest test so far - by a mile. But if they make it 15 league games unbeaten, they will create a new top-flight club record.
They have a pretty consistent record at Manchester City - consistently poor. It's 11 years since Alan Shearer scored their last winner there and it doesn't help that the league leaders also look unbeatable right now. A benchmark set during Manchester United's breathtaking start in 1993-94 of 13 wins in their opening 15 games is in sight. They could have six scorers in double-figures this season. Their attacking play is sumptuous.
So on paper they should make it 10 wins on the spin in all competitions. But there are a few doubts. Seventy seven per cent of City's goals have come in the second half of their games when the depth of their squad system takes effect against tiring opponents.
But how much will this week's internationals have taken out of that squad? While only a couple of Newcastle's expected starters were away, 16 of City's stars were playing around the globe; some of them suffering tortuous nights.
Edin Dzeko and Stefan Savic had Euro 2012 play-off heartache. Sergio Aguero and Pablo Zabaleta were involved in South American World Cup qualifiers. Aleksandar Kolorov was sent off playing for Serbia in a friendly in Mexico! The Toure brothers had a to go to South Africa for another friendly and after playing at Wembley, David Silva had 11,000 miles of flying to Costa Rica and back! That's a crazy schedule for Spain.
If City carry any weary passengers, Newcastle can get a surprise point. Otherwise the Mancini express will roar on.
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