Kinnear struggling on striker front

Newcastle United v Manchester City: NEWCASTLE WILL be without striker Michael Owen, who could be out for up to 10 days with …

Mon Oct 20 2008 - 01:00

Newcastle United v Manchester City:NEWCASTLE WILL be without striker Michael Owen, who could be out for up to 10 days with a groin strain. Habib Beye (Achilles) and Jonas Gutierrez (fractured collarbone) could return from their injuries, while Obafemi Martins (knee) is rated at 50-50.

Midfielder Joey Barton will complete his six-game FA ban, while Mark Viduka (Achilles) and Alan Smith (stress fracture) remain on the long-term casualty list.

Manchester City will be without winger Martin Petrov, who sustained knee ligament damage on Bulgaria duty.

Defender Pablo Zabaleta begins a three-match suspension, but manager Mark Hughes expects Robinho to be available, despite the Brazilian being substituted after taking a knock in his country's international against Colombia.

LAST SEASON:Newcastle 0 Man City 2, Man City 3 Newcastle 1.

LAST FIVE LEAGUE MATCHES:Newcastle L L L L D; Man City W L W L L.

MATCH ODDS:H 7-4 A 13-10 D 21-10.

Referee:Rob Styles (Hampshire).