Man City v Newcastle: Anita Returns

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor

At the Etihad Stadium

Vurnon Anita returns to the Newcastle United starting line-up as the Magpies travel to champions Manchester City in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday (5.30pm kick-off).

The Dutch international midfielder was an unused substitute as United drew 1-1 at Crystal Palace last time out but is recalled by head coach John Carver in place of injured French forward Remy Cabella.

That is the only change to the Newcastle side for this fixture as they aim to record a second victory of the season at the Etihad Stadium, following October's memorable Capital One Cup triumph.

The Magpies are expected to line-up in a 4-3-3 formation, with goalkeeper Tim Krul protected by a back four of Daryl Janmaat, Mike Wiliamson, captain Fabricio Coloccini and Massadio Haidara.

Anita joins French powerhouse Moussa Sissoko and summer signing Jack Colack in the middle of the park, with Ayoze Perez and Yoan Gouffran taking up roles on either flank in support of ten-goal leading scorer Papiss Cisse.

On the substitutes' bench there are places for forwards Emmanuel Riviere, Adam Armstrong, Sammy Ameobi and Gabriel Oberan, and they are joined by Mehdi Abeid, Ryan Taylor and 17-year-old goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.

Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Joe Hart; Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany (c), Eliaquim Mangala, Aleksandar Kolarov; Fernandinho, Yaya Toure; David Silva, Sergio Aguero, Samir Nasri; Edin Dzeko

Substitutes: Willy Caballero, Gael Clichy, Martin Demichelis, Fernando, Frank Lampard, Jesus Navas, Wilfried Bony

Newcastle United (4-3-3): Tim Krul; Daryl Janmaat, Mike Williamson, Fabricio Coloccini (c), Massadio Haidara; Moussa Sissoko, Vurnon Anita, Jack Colback; Ayoze Perez, Papiss Cisse, Yoan Gouffran

Substitutes: Freddie Woodman, Ryan Taylor, Mehdi Abeid, Gabriel Obertan, Sammy Ameobi, Adam Armstrong, Emmanuel Riviere

Referee: Chis Foy (Lancashire)