Joey Barton will make a controversial return for Newcastle today - and come face-to-face with Manchester City rival Ousmane Dabo.
In a remarkable twist the pair will go head-to-head - in a reserve game - for the first time since their alleged training ground brawl last May that ended Barton's City career and left Dabo in hospital - and pressing assault charges.
Barton's comeback could not be any more explosive. He has been out since pre-season with a broken metatarsal and is desperate to get fit to help Sam Allardyce's club.
The £5.3million midfielder was at City for the clash between the first teams on Saturday, but his appearance in the reserves will cause a stir because of the potential for tackles and fouls with Dabo.
Frenchman Dabo was bitter about the bust-up with Barton and has decided to pull no punches in response, with a court case due in the next few weeks.
It is unusual for such adversaries to meet in the run-up to a legal showdown and all eyes will be watching them on the field - but the pair are determined to play.
Barton wants to be fit in a hurry while Dabo is keen to show he is ready for selection or, more likely, a sale in the next transfer window.
