Bristol City v Newcastle

Last updated : 19 March 2010 By BBC Sport

Newcastle forward Peter Lovenkrands, who has scored in his last three appearances, has picked up an ankle injury and could miss out.

Midfielder Alan Smith will be absent once again as he continues to recover from his ankle problem.

MATCH PREVIEW

Following the departure of Gary Johnson after four-and-a-half years as Bristol City manager, caretaker boss Keith Millen's first match at the helm looks daunting to say the least.

Leaders Newcastle could clinch promotion back to the Premier League as early as Easter Monday if results go their way, so they will want to avoid a slip-up at Ashton Gate.

Millen's task is to restore confidence to a side that has won only two of their last 12 games and has slumped to 15th place - seven points above the relegation zone.

The midweek defeat against struggling Plymouth led to Johnson's exit, while Newcastle beat Scunthorpe to register a sixth consecutive home victory and re-establish a four-point lead at the top of the table.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Newcastle are unbeaten in the club's last eight matches against City (W5, D3).

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• Nine of the previous 23 meetings between the two clubs have ended in draws.

• City's most recent win over the Tyneside club was 1-0 in September 1990 at Ashton Gate in the old Second Division.

Bristol City

• Beaten in their last two matches, City have not lost three league games in a row since November 2007.

• They are the only club without a home clean sheet in the Championship in 2010.

• The Robins have conceded 11 league goals in injury time - more than any other team in the division.

• If selected, Jamie McAllister will be making his 450th career appearance and Nicky Maynard his 150th.

Newcastle

• Newcastle have gone unbeaten in seven matches, scoring 21 goals in the process.

• They have lost only once in 23 league outings.

• Peter Lovenkrands is hoping to score in a fourth successive game. The striker has netted six goals in his last five matches.

MOST RECENT MEETING

Newcastle 0-0 Bristol City (3 October 2009)

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport