Newcastle United v Man City - Joe Buck preview
Newcastle United v Man City: Eddie Howe has a number of big calls to make when he names his starting team for their clash with Manchester City.
Newcastle United’s return to action sees them host Manchester City at St James’ Park as they look to put two defeats in the capital behind them. Eddie Howe and his coaching staff have had just-shy of a fortnight to prepare the team for the visit of Pep Guardiola’s side.
They will be without Dan Burn this weekend as he serves a one-match ban, whilst Yoane Wissa and Tino Livramento remain the Magpies’ only major injury concerns. Will Howe opt for much of the same this weekend, or will he shake things up as he searches for a winning formula?
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 when Manchester City come to Tyneside?
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.
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 this 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.
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 on Saturday, then they will need to win the midfield battle. A good performance from Tonali would go a long way in helping them do that.
Anthony Elanga
Elanga has yet to really make his mark as a Newcastle United player, but his raw pace could be a weapon that could hurt their opponents.
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.
Anthony Gordon
Gordon may not be risked by Howe on Saturday, but if he’s deemed fit enough to play, then this could be the perfect game for him to come back into the team and impress again.
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