Football – England – Premier League
Sunday 17th August 2014 – Kickoff: 1600hrs
St James’ Park hosts Sunday’s only Premiership fixture between hosts Newcastle United and the visiting Manchester City side who are looking to defend their Premiership title.
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew was hardly out of the headlines for one reason or another last season with head-butts to opponent’s players (Meyler for Hull City was one example) amongst many grumblings of discontent from the terraces for the style of football and the indifferent results that the Newcastle faithful had to endure.
During the summer, Pardew has made some additional signings to his squad such as midfielders Cabella, de Jong and Colback along with defender Janmaat, but it’s the attacking department that appears to be lacking in depth and quality. The Magpies failed to score at home on no fewer than seven occasions and finished with an overall home record of 8-3-8 23/28.
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini achieved great success for The Citizens in his first season in charge at the Etihad Stadium by claiming the coveted Premiership title along with winning the Capital One Cup. These successes would have been made that much sweeter as their often more illustrious neighbours laboured under former manager David Moyes.
City remain the team to beat this season again, but they’re expected to be given a tough ride by the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea. It remains to be seen how Liverpool will perform without Suarez, but City have added further to their ranks with defenders Sagna from Arsenal on a free transfer, Mangala from Porto, Lampard on loan from sister club New York City following his release from Chelsea and Brazilian Fernando.
Throw in Aguero, Dzeko and Jovetic up front with goalscoring midfielders Nasri, Silva and Toure (and Lampard shouldn’t be ruled out either), and you have another potent mix capable of lifting the title once again.
Newcastle, and perhaps more to the point, Alan Pardew, will be under the microscope early on and if results don’t go their way then there could be the first managerial casualty in the north east. Manchester City should have far too much quality at their disposal so I’ll back them for the straight win here, perhaps 1-0.
Pick: Manchester City straight win @ 1.67 Bet Victor
