Aaron Ramsdale or Nick Pope? NUFC debate
Newcastle United latest news: Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are next up for Eddie Howe’s side at St James’ Park in the Premier League.
Newcastle United look to bounce back from successive defeats in the league when they welcome Manchester City to St James’ Park next weekend. Eddie Howe’s side lost against West Ham and Brentford before the international break and know they must start picking up results if they are to start looking up, rather than down, the Premier League table.
Howe, though, has never beaten Manchester City in the Premier League and will be without Dan Burn next weekend as he serves a one-match ban. There are also major doubts over a couple other key players - doubts which could force him into a major formation change.
Here, we take a look at the Newcastle United starting XI that Howe could name for his side’s clash with Manchester City next weekend. Do you agree with our picks? Follow us on our social media channels and let us know your thoughts there.
Newcastle United predicted XI v Manchester City
Aaron Ramsdale
Nick Pope has been Howe’s first-choice this season, but after conceding six in his last two league outings, could a change in goal be made this weekend?
Kieran Trippier
Tino Livramento may be making his way back to full fitness, but Trippier will be difficult to dislodge in the starting XI.
Malick Thiaw
Thiaw is arguably one of the first names on Howe’s teamsheet at the minute. The German has been brilliant since coming into the team and has been rewarded with an international call-up.
Fabian Schar
Schar impressed when drafted into the team against Spurs last month and may be offered the chance to return to the starting XI against the Citizens. He will have to be on top form to keep Erling Haaland quiet.
Sven Botman
Botman did not enjoy a good afternoon at the Gtech Community Stadium last time out, but a switch to a back-five and Dan Burn’s suspension may allow him to keep his place in the starting XI next weekend.
Lewis Hall
Hall’s return to fitness couldn’t have come at a better time for the Magpies with Burn suspended for the visit of Guardiola’s side. A left wingback role could be perfect for Hall next weekend.
Bruno Guimaraes
Like many of his teammates, Guimaraes has not been at his best in recent weeks and will want to rectify that when Manchester City come to St James’ Park.
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Sandro Tonali
If Newcastle United are to be successful next weekend, then they will need to win the midfield battle. A good performance from Tonali would go a long way in helping them do that.
Jacob Murphy
Murphy’s industry on the right and his ability to pluck a goal or an assist from nowhere could be vital next weekend if the Magpies, as expected, see very little of the ball.
Nick Woltemade
Newcastle’s route to success against Manchester City might be to hit their opponents with swift and incisive counter-attacks. Woltemade’s ability to come short and feed the ball to his teammates could be vital in helping them execute this gameplan.
Harvey Barnes
If Anthony Gordon isn’t deemed fit enough to start, then Barnes could again be asked to start on the left wing.
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