Newcastle United striker Demba Ba says he feels in good shape going into today's clash with Manchester City.

City face the Geordies at St James' Park knowing victory will put them just 90 minutes from becoming champions for the first time in 44 years.

But Ba insisted in The Sun: "City are in for a tough afternoon because we're determined to win the game and boost our chances of Champions League football.

"Nobody can expect to play us at home and have an easy time -- regardless of whether they are chasing the title or not."