Can City break down mean Magpies?

League leaders Newcastle United stand between Coventry City and a much-needed three points at the Ricoh Arena on Wednesday night, with the Magpies’ table-topping form built on solid foundations.

Chris Hughton’s re-appointment as manager in the summer was meant to be only temporary but the much-maligned ‘perennial caretaker’ has forged an outfit whose rise to the summit of the Championship has been built on conceding just ten goals in nineteen games.

Newcastle may not be the same free-flowing outfit who came to CV6 under Kevin Keegan last season but despite continuing off-field issues, the future on the pitch may be looking a bit brighter than when Michael Owen scored the winner in a second round Carling Cup tie.

Keegan’s night was ruined by the news that James Milner was about to be sold to Aston Villa and his subsequent departure from the club plunged Newcastle into the turmoil that they may only just be coming out of.

5,000 visiting fans will ensure both a healthy crowd and atmosphere and that may come at a good time for the Sky Blues, given their dismal form of late.

The home support will get behind their team in a way that may not have happened had City been trying unsuccessfully to break down ‘lesser’ opposition.