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United Defence Braced For Bony
Written by Newcastle Utd
John Carver has backed Newcastle United's defenders to deal with the threat of Wilfried Bony on Saturday
By Emily Bulmer
John Carver has backed Newcastle United's defenders to deal with the threat of Wilfried Bony, should Manchester City's new signing make his debut on Saturday (5.30pm kick-off).
The Ivorian striker switched to the Etihad Stadium from Barclays Premier League rivals Swansea during the January transfer window, but is yet to play for his new club having been away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
After helping his country triumph in the competition, Bony is now back in the country and ready to play his part in City's title challenge, but Carver is confident his defence can deal with the 26-year-old.
"I'm sure Bony will be raring to go if he does make his debut," said Carver.
"Every time we've come up against him when he was at Swansea he's been a handful. We'll just have to deal with him.
"Our defenders lately have defended quite well - they've been strong and we haven't conceded too many goals. Mike Williamson likes the type of player that Bony is so that could prove a good competition between the two."
Bony's fellow countryman Yaya Toure is also expected to return to the City side on Saturday, but Carver says the Magpies will not be intimidated.
"You have to deal with it and get on with it," he added.
"Yaya is a good player and I'm sure he'll have a point to prove but we've been up against him before we will get on with it. Whatever team City put out we know we're in for a difficult game.
"We're going to go to City with confidence. We do have a game plan and we aren't just going to park the bus we're going to have a go at them."