City have been quiet but confident in their transfer dealings so far, and starts are expected for new arrivals Fernandinho, Álvaro Negredo and Jesús Navas. Stevan Jovetić -- who joined this summer from Fiorentina --should also be involved, even if only from the bench. Defender Matija Nastasić is City's only likely absentee, struggling with an ankle injury.
City’s new manager Manuel Pellegrini will be making his home debut in front of a packed house in Manchester, with Newcastle aiming to get off to a good start in one of the most daunting venues in the league.
Pellegrini has bought big this summer, with Fernandinho, Alvaro Negredo, Stevan Jovetic and Jesus Navas all arriving for over $135 million. All four of the new men are expected to start for City, with their defense set in stone after an impressive season at the back in 2012-13 City kept more clean sheets, 18, than any other team last year and also conceded just 34 goals.
But these new signings will give them an extra impetus up front.
As for Newcastle, it has been a turbulent summer at St. James’ Park after Joe Kinnear was controversially appointed in the front office. Owner Mike Ashley has placed Kinnear above manager Alan Pardew and Newcastle’s fans aren’t happy with the situation in the North-East. Star striker Papiss Cisse is back on the pitch after threatening to walk out of the club following a money-lending company became the Magpies shirt sponsor. Cisse has put his religious dispute to one side and will now lead the line.
As for injuries, Sergio Aguero has overcome a knee complaint and should feature but Matija Nastasic is still out with an ankle injury. While Newcastle have fitness doubts over Davide Santon (hip), Steven Taylor (toe) and Jonas Gutierrez (hamstring)
Newcastle's only summer signing, Loïc Rémy, is definitely unavailable, with the former Queens Park Rangers striker still hampered by a calf injury. Ryan Taylor's long-term knee injury continues to rule him out of selection, while Jonás Gutiérrez faces a fitness test to determine whether he's fit to play.
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: Matija Nastasić (ankle).
Newcastle United injuries and suspensions
Out: Loïc Rémy (calf), Ryan Taylor (knee). In doubt: Jonás Gutiérrez (hamstring).
Match Date\Time: Monday, 8 p.m. local, 3 p.m. ET
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
