Can Newcastle put distance to the lower part of the Premier League, or will City grab three important points?

Premier League Round 17
St. James Park
15-12-2012 @ 12.45 GMT

How is the two teams form?

Newcastle has so far not managed to live up to last years great season. They are currently 14 in the Premier League with seventeen points before tonight's match against Fulham. Last weekend, the Toons took a 3-0 victory against Wigan, and Demba Ba is getting in form.

Manchester City lost important points in the battle for the trophy against Manchester United last night. However, the blue from Manchester is only six points after their rivals and a victory Saturday can be crucial for their top position.

What is the probable starting XI?
  
Both Newcastle and Manchester City is struggling with injuries at the moment. Given NUFC is playing tonight, and I, unfortunately, can't foresee the future the probable starting line will look as:

Krul

Simpson - Williamson - Coloccini - Santon

Obertan - Tiote - Birigimana

Ba - Cissé - Gutiérrez
 ______________________________________

Agüero - Tevez

Silva - Toure - Barry - Nasri

Clichy - Kompany - Natastic - Zabaleta

Hart

What to expect from this match?

Much depends on how Newcastle plays tonight. If the Toons can keep up their Premier League form, they can be a problem for City's defense. The Manchester back four has not been too convincing this season, and everyone knows that Demba Ba can make problems if he gets the space.

On the other hand, Manchester City has, on paper, a terrifying attack. The squad contains some of the best strikers in the world. However, this is not always enough for a victory.

No matter what, this will not be a draw or a boring match. We will probably see a lot of attacking football and at least two goals.

What are the odds?

According to oddschecker.com, Manchester City are the favorites with 1.67 as the best odds. A draw gives back 3.9, while a Newcastle victory gives staggering 5.5!