Elano set for place on bench

Manchester City midfielder Elano may find himself on the bench as the high-flying Blues look to heap more pressure on Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce.

After a brilliant first few months at Eastlands, Elano’s form has dipped in recent weeks and City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson could be tempted to leave the Brazilian on the bench at St James’ Park, with fellow countryman Geovanni among the potential replacements.

Michael Johnson (abdominal strain) is still sidelined but Emile Mpenza could be back from a muscle problem as City look to record their first away win since the opening day of the season.

Team (from): Hart, Isaksson, Onuoha, Corluka, Sun, Dunne, Richards, Garrido, Ball, Ireland, Hamann, Elano, Fernandes, Geovanni, Petrov, Mpenza, Vassell, Bianchi, Samaras.