The Eastlands clash pits the only two remaining unbeaten sides in the Premier League against each other with leaders City already five points clear of second-placed Manchester United after 11 games.
Newcastle have provided the surprise storyline of the season by sitting third on 25 points with seven wins and four draws.
Their resurgence under manager Alan Pardew has been a rare highlight since Ashley's turbulent reign began in 2007.
Newcastle's impressive start had diverted some of the attention away from Ashley, who found himself squarely back in the firing line when he announced his intention to rename their St James' Park stadium, their home since 1892, with his sporting goods brand.
The 'Toon Army' fans packing the away end on Saturday are certain to voice their disapproval, although the shouts of discontent against Ashley will die down if Pardew can find a way to quell free-scoring City's fire.
Saturday's game is a battle between the Premier League's top scorers - City have hit 39 - and the division's stingiest defence - Newcastle have conceded just eight times.
While Manchester United will hope Newcastle can take at least a point at City, Sir Alex Ferguson's side head for Wales to face a Swansea City team adapting well to the top flight.
He scored all four goals for Uruguay in a crushing World Cup qualifying win over Chile before being charged by the FA with making alleged racist remarks to Manchester United's Patrice Evra.
"To see Luis day in, day out has been a real eye-opener for me," Gerrard told LFC magazine. "I knew he was a good player."
