Friday gossip

Rob Pollard@RobPollardMCFC

Media: Jesus ready to lead City attack

City travel to Newcastle United this weekend looking to avenge last season's defeat at St James' Park and close the gap on Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table.
Gabriel Jesus is praised by one publication this morning with the Brazilian set to start in Sergio Aguero's absence.
And Michael Owen backs City to come away with the three points.
Here's this morning's Media Watch...

Opinion
Squawka: Newcastle v Man City: Previews, predictions and possible XIs
Harry Edwards writes: "Fortunately for Newcastle, Man City will be without Sergio Aguero, who has scored 15 goals in 14 games against the Magpies. However, his replacement Gabriel Jesus will be a more than capable deputy.

"The Brazilian has had to watch on this season as Aguero continues to fire but, when called upon, Jesus has done his job very well. So far this season Jesus has scored three goals in 10 Premier League games, but his brief playing takes the average up to a goal every 154 minutes.
"Jesus is yet to score in three appearances against Newcastle and will undoubtedly be looking to change that fact this weekend.
"Key stat: Gabriel Jesus has scored in three of his four Premier League starts this season."

Michael Owen writes: "I was disappointed with Newcastle at Villa Park on Monday and their attacking players continue to struggle to create opportunities let alone score goals at present.

“Steve Bruce’s side will have to be at the top of their game when champions Manchester City come to town in Saturday’s early kick-off.
“Yes, the Magpies came from behind to win the corresponding fixture 2-1 at St James’ Park last season, but I don’t expect Pep Guardiola’s side to slip up at the weekend given they have the opportunity to cut the deficit – albeit briefly – to leaders Liverpool to six points with a win."

View from the opposition
Newcastle Chronicle: The stats don't lie - Newcastle's frontline needs changing
John Gibson writes: "Bruce's favoured front three have the following horrendous Magpie record: Joelinton one goal in 13 appearances, Miguel Almiron none in 23, and Saint Maximin none in nine.
"A collective return of a single goal from 45 outings hardly encourages thoughts of safety.
"Surely changes are demanded by fans and form. This cannot be allowed to go on because in terms of a goal return this is as poor as it gets."
Newcastle Chronicle: Newcastle v City - Lee Ryder's PL preview
Lee Ryder writes: "Had Newcastle United picked up a positive result at Aston Villa then the tension may have been eased a little bit going into this game.
"After all, a game against such an expensively assembled outfit these days should really feel like a free hit in some ways with the pressure off.
"But with a tough game against high-flying Sheffield United just around the corner, successive defeats could well push the Magpies back towards the relegation mire.

"A point would feel like gold dust but Pep Guardiola's men won't want to stumble twice on Tyneside in the space of a year."

Injury News
BBC Sport: Newcastle v City
BBC Sport writes: “Fit-again Newcastle defender Fabian Schar could make his first appearance in six weeks, while Florian Lejeune is also available after injury.
“Matt Ritchie will not return until January after having a second operation on the ankle he injured in August.
“There will be at least one change for Manchester City from the side that beat Chelsea, with Sergio Aguero ruled out by a thigh injury.
“Oleksandr Zinchenko, Aymeric Laporte and Leroy Sane are long-term absentees."
That’s all for this morning’s Media Watch – stay with us throughout the day as we continue to bring you all the buildup to Saturday’s big game.