Eddie Howe is tipped to make two changes to his Newcastle United starting XI for Saturday’s game against Manchester City.
The Magpies take on Pep Guardiola’s side at St James’ Park in their return to Premier League action, as they attempt to bounce back from consecutive defeats.
Howe has worked hard in the international break on finding a solution to Newcastle United’s problems, and his efforts will be put to the test on Saturday evening.
It will be an extremely difficult game for the Magpies, and this is Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United XI to face Manchester City.
Prediction for Newcastle vs Man City?
Nick Pope starts after concussion
During Newcastle United’s defeat to Brentford, Nick Pope was taken off with concussion. Before that injury, he was struggling.
His performance has resulted in some fans wanting Aaron Ramsdale to start against Manchester City, but they may not get their wish.
Howe has confirmed that Pope is fit to face Manchester City, and it feels likely that he will retain his place in the starting XI. The England international will be under pressure to perform amid the clamour for Ramsdale to feature more.
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Elsewhere, Lewis Hall should replace the suspended Dan Burn at left-back.
Lewis Hall in action for Newcastle United against Brentford.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Eddie Howe starts trusted midfield trio vs Man City
Newcastle United’s midfield is a problem, but the solution is unclear.
While the suggestion is that changes are on the horizon for the Magpies, it would not come as a shock if Howe deployed his tried and tested midfield three against Manchester City.
That largely depends on Joelinton’s fitness, with the 29-year-old coming off during the defeat to Brentford. However, the fact he only suffered a cut at the Gtech Community Stadium should mean he is good to go on Saturday.
He will join Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes in the middle of the park. The latter is boosted by not having to travel too far after his international commitments, with Brazil playing friendlies in Lille and London.
Pep Guardiola on Newcastle United’s style of play
Today, modern football is the way Bournemouth, Newcastle, Brighton and Liverpool play. Modern football is not positional and being there, you have to rise the rhythm unbelievably.
Anthony Gordon in attack for Newcastle United
It has been reported that Anthony Gordon has trained following his hip injury, with the 24-year-old described as ‘touch and go’ to face Man City by Eddie Howe.
If he is fit, Gordon must start against Man City. Newcastle United need their biggest players to step up on Saturday evening, and Gordon certainly falls into that bracket.
His inclusion should result in Harvey Barnes moving to the right of attack and Jacob Murphy dropping to the bench.
They will flank Nick Woltemade, who enjoyed a fantastic international break. Woltemade scored three goals as Germany qualified for the World Cup, and will hope to bring that form back with him to Tyneside.
Predicted XI to face Man City: Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton; Gordon, Woltemade, Barnes.