Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini takes his side to St James' Park having been awarded the Premier League Manager of the Month award for December.

City have won five out of their last six games in all competitions, and Pellegrini will be confident of adding another three points on Tyneside.

The Chilean boss is expected to recall Joe Hart, Fernandinho and Jesus Navas, who all missed City's 6-0 win over West Ham United on Wednesday.

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has seen the Magpies hit a slump since the turn of the year, and he will be eager to prevent his side falling further adrift of the top four in the Premier League table.

Full-back Mathieu Debuchy remains suspended, while Fabricio Coloccini is missing with a knee injury.

Recent form

Newcastle United: DWWLLL

Manchester City: WWWWDW

Possible starting lineups

Newcastle United: Krul; Haidara, Santon, Williamson, Yanga-Mbwia; Tiote, Gouffran, Cabaye, Ben Arfa, Sissoko; Remy

Manchester City: Hart; Zabaleta; Clichy, Kompany, Lescott; Yaya Toure, Nasri, Fernandinho, Jesus Navas, David Silva; Negredo

Sports Mole says: 1-3