The most infuriating thing that Eddie Howe could do when Newcastle United play Manchester City on Saturday is stick with exactly the same team who lost to Brentford.
Howe has been too loyal to some of his Newcastle players this season and the fact he made no unenforced changes last time out following a dismal loss at West Ham was the source of huge frustration online.
Newcastle United desperately need to improve in the Premier League this season.
Man City are perhaps the worst team they could play right now given their ominous form but, at some point, Howe’s side simply have to show up regardless of who they’re playing.
With that in mind, here’s how Howe should set his Newcastle United team up against Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola and Eddie Howe embrace before Manchester City play Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Newcastle United should play 3-5-2 against Manchester City
The 4-3-3 system Howe has generally deployed as Newcastle United manager has brought a huge amount of success to the club.
That does not mean, however, that it should be stuck to blindly.
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Joelinton is struggling in central midfield, while Newcastle’s wingers are failing to fire. Nick Woltemade, meanwhile, is looking isolated.
Prediction for Newcastle vs Man City?
Providing Woltemade with support feels crucial. Anthony Gordon has attracted a lot of criticism this season but showed a nice understanding with the German during the Champions League win over Benfica.
Gordon could play for Newcastle against Man City after a recent hip injury and Howe could do a lot worse than playing the two much closer together. Failing that, Harvey Barnes is an option.
With the wingers out of form, deploying wing-backs may be wise. Lewis Hall gives Newcastle a much better balance than Dan Burn there, while Kieran Trippier can surely do a job.
Newcastle United lining up in a 3-5-2 shape.
Newcastle United lining up in a 3-5-2 shape. Caption: GRV Media.
In an ideal world, Tino Livramento would start instead but that does not feel likely given his recent injury issues.
Newcastle expect a lot from Jacob Ramsey and now that he’s had two weeks to work on his fitness over the international break, it feels like the right time to replace Joelinton.
It’s almost certainly time for Aaron Ramsdale in goal, too. Nick Pope remains a fine shot-stopper but hasn’t convinced for a while now.
Howe needs to change something. If he sticks with the same team once again and gets a similar level of performance, he’ll be creating a rod for his own back.
Eddie Howe’s dismal record against Pep Guardiola
Newcastle can beat Manchester City on Saturday but will surely need their best performance of the season yet.
Howe will also need to find a way past a certain Pep Guardiola, who has dominated against him during their respective managerial careers.
Newcastle United’s Premier League finishes under Eddie Howe. Will he claim his highest yet this season?
2021-22: 11th
2022-23: 4th
2023-24: 7th
2025-25: 5th
In 18 games against the City boss, Howe has lost 15 times, drawing twice and losing the other.
Given recent performances, he’s surely much more likely to claim only a second win over Guardiola if he changes the system.