Jones: Hopes for Magpies favour

Phil Jones admits he'll become a Newcastle United fan for a few short hours on Sunday afternoon when the Magpies play Manchester City at the Sports Direct Arena. City head into the game, the penultimate fixture of the season, top of the Barclays Premier League thanks to a superior goal difference. And with relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers due at the Etihad Stadium on the final day, the common consensus is that a City win at Newcastle would all but hand the Blues the title. Alan Pardew's side are in fine form, however, and have plenty to play for as they chase a top-four finish and a Champions League spot for next season. They also go into Sunday's game on a high after beating Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening. "Newcastle are a terrific team with some fantastic individuals," Jones said. "Papiss Cisse's two goals the other night at Chelsea were terrific. "Let's hope they can do us a favour on Sunday. I'm sure that game will be in the back of everyone's minds [as we prepare to play Swansea at Old Trafford] but we have to concentrate on what we want to do. "There is no point sitting there watching their game. We will be concentrating on what we have to do and preparing right. I don't think we'll have it on in the dressing room." Jones knows all too well how difficult a trip to Newcastle can be. He was in the Reds side (and was unfortunate enough to score an own goal) on the night the Toon beat Sir Alex's men 3-0 back in January. "They were terrific that night," he said. "We didn't get going. They pressed us really well. They are passionate fans in the North East. Let's hope they can spur them on again." City's clash with Newcastle on Sunday will end less than an hour before United kick off against Swansea. And although the Welsh side has never won at Old Trafford, Jones expects a tough test against a team that has raised plenty of eyebrows since their promotion from the Championship last summer. "Swansea have been a surprise package," he said. "They have played some terrific football this season and have some great individuals. "We are aware of the threat they pose. Hopefully we can snuff that out, play our game and get the three points. They do tend to have the majority of possession against teams but hopefully we can put that right. "It's important in any game that we keep the ball and play at our tempo, the way we like to play. I am sure we'll be able to do that." Jones also revealed United would approach the game with an attacking mindset given the title could well be decided on goal difference. "We have to go for it, although we can't go gung-ho straight from the start. "We have to approach it in the right manner. We have to make a platform to build on. If we keep a clean sheet, which we are capable of, then we will score goal