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TEAM NEWS: Nasri passed fit for Manchester City as Tevez replaces dropped Balotelli against Newcastle
Dec 15, 2012 12:15:00 PM
Kolo Toure replaces Vincent Kompany as Mancini makes two changes from last weekend's derby, whereas Pardew makes one change, as Jonas Gutierrez starts in place of Hatem Ben Arfa
Samir Nasri has been passed fit and will start for Manchester City against Newcastle on Saturday afternoon.The Frenchman was a doubt with migraine but is fit enough to make Roberto Mancini's starting line-up.
Mario Balotelli is dropped from the Manchester City squad altogether as Mancini hands Carlos Tevez a starting berth, after the Argentine impressed as a second half substitute against Manchester United.
The Champions are without their skipper Vincent Kompany, though, the Belgian sits out with a groin injury with Kolo Toure starting in his place.
Meanwhile for Newcastle, Alan Pardew is without influential midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa who is struggling with a groin problem, so Jonas Gutierrez returns to the Magpies' first eleven.
Newcastle: Krul; Simpson, Williamson, Coloccini, Santon; Perch, Tiote, Anita; Cisse, Ba, Gutierrez.
Subs: Elliot, Tavernier, Ferguson, Bigirimana, Marveaux, Sammy Ameobi, Shola Ameobi.
Manchester City: Hart; Zabaleta, Kolo Toure, Nastasic, Clichy; Garcia, Yaya Toure, Nasri, Silva, Tevez; Aguero.
Subs: Pantilimon, Razak, Rekik, Sinclair, Dzeko, Kolarov, Lescott.
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