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Newcastle v Man City: Perch Starts
Written by Newcastle Utd
James Perch is back in the Newcastle United starting line-up for Saturday's home game against Manchester City
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter
James Perch has been recalled to the Newcastle United starting line-up for Saturday's home game with Manchester City in the Barclays Premier League (12.45pm kick-off).
The versatile former Nottingham Forest man comes into the heart of the Magpies' midfield in place of Hatem Ben Arfa, who misses out with a hamstring injury, and that is the only change to United's team from Monday night's defeat at Fulham.
Alan Pardew's side will line up in a 4-3-3 formation against the champions, with goalkeeper Tim Krul protected by a back four of Danny Simpson, Mike Williamson, captain Fabricio Coloccini and Davide Santon.
Perch, Cheick Tiote and Vurnon Anita will provide steel in the middle of the park, while Papiss Cisse, ten-goal leading scorer Demba Ba and Jonas Gutierrez form a three-pronged forwarded line.
On the substitutes' bench, Sylvain Marveaux, and brothers Shola and Sammy Ameobi provide the attacking options, while there are also places for youngsters James Tavernier, Shane Ferguson and Gael Bigirimana.
Visitors Manchester City are without captain Vincent Kompany, who was forced off last weekend against Manchester United with a hamstring complaint. He is replaced by ex-Arsenal man Kolo Toure.
Javi Garcia comes in for the suspended Gareth Barry in the middle of the park, while Carlos Tevez replaces Mario Balotelli up front.
Newcastle United (4-3-3): Tim Krul; Danny Simpson, Mike Williamson, Fabricio Coloccini (c), Davide Santon; James Perch, Cheick Tiote, Vurnon Anita; Papiss Cisse, Demba Ba, Jonas Gutierrez
Substitutes: Rob Elliot, James Tavernier, Shane Ferguson, Gael Bigirimana, Sylvain Marveaux, Sammy Ameobi, Shola Ameobi
Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Joe Hart; Pablo Zabaleta, Kolo Toure, Matija Nastasic, Gael Clichy; Javi Garcia, Yaya Toure (c); Samir Nasri, Sergio Aguero, David Silva; Carlos Tevez
Substitutes: Costel Pantilimon, Aleksandar Kolarov, Karim Rekik, Joleon Lescott, Abdul Razak, Scott Sinclair, Edin Dzeko
Referee: Andre Marriner (West Midlands)