Hart set to pay penalty for poor ’Bridge show

Goalkeeper Joe Hart is expected to pay for his dire form as Manchester City travel to Newcastle in the Capital One Cup tonight.

The England international is under yet more scrutiny after a mix-up between himself and defender Matija Nastasic led to Chelsea’s late winner in Sunday’s Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge. It was the latest of a series of errors to have blighted the 26-year-old’s performances for club and country over the past year.

It would not be unusual in itself if Hart were to be replaced by Costel Pantilimon for the fourth-round tie at St James’ Park, as the Romanian has often been preferred for cup fixtures in the past two seasons.