Newcastle United v Manchester City: Eddie Howe could make a host of changes to his Newcastle United starting XI v Manchester City tonight.
Newcastle United host Manchester City at St James’ Park in the first-leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals tonight as the Magpies’ defence of their trophy meets its toughest test yet.
Pep Guardiola’s side hit ten past League One Exeter City on Saturday and will be determined to progress to the final as they aim to win the first piece of silverware available to them having gone a whole season without lifting a trophy last campaign.
Newcastle United, meanwhile, will be counting the cost of their win over Bournemouth on Saturday with Eddie Howe having a number of injury issues to deal with. A strong team is expected to be named by United’s head coach this evening as they look to make home advantage count in the first-leg of the tie.
Here, we take a look at the starting XI that Howe could name for tonight’s clash against Manchester City at St James’ Park. 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
Nick Pope
Although Aaron Ramsdale has been Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup goalkeeper, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Pope reinstated to the starting XI.
Lewis Miley
Tino Livramento’s injury may mean Miley is once again asked to deputise at right-back. Kieran Trippier is an option for Howe, but having just returned from injury it’s likely that they will act with caution over his fitness.
Malick Thiaw
Thiaw will have to go again tonight amid a defensive injury crisis. He will have to be at his best to deal with Erling Haaland.
The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone.Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
Sven Botman
It is far from ideal that Botman will be thrown back into the starting XI again tonight, but such are the current injury woes facing Howe. The Dutchman signed a new long-term deal with Newcastle United on Monday.
Lewis Hall
Hall was phenomenal against Guardiola’s side during their win back in November. Hopefully he can replicate that performance tonight and really help to drive his team on.
Bruno Guimaraes
Guimaraes didn’t start at the weekend, but it was his introduction that sparked Newcastle United’s comeback. It’s hard to express in words just how important the Brazilian is to Howe’s team and how much they rely on him game after game.
Read More
Sandro Tonali
Tonali’s performances have slowly been improving over the past few games and he will be hugely important if Newcastle United have a hope of securing a good result to take to the Etihad Stadium next month.
Joelinton
If Joelinton can be anywhere near his physically dominant best tonight, then the Magpies have a chance of disrupting Manchester City’s midfield and potentially winning the game.
Harvey Barnes
There won’t be many defenders in world football wanting to come up against Barnes at this moment in time. The former Leicester City man is in sensational form and is a match-winner. Hopefully he can grab another goal, or two tonight. He did score a brace in the Premier League meeting between these sides back in November.
Yoane Wissa
Wissa was substituted early during Saturday’s win over Bournemouth - a potential hint that he has been marked to start tonight.
Anthony Gordon
Much like many of his teammates, Gordon’s performances have improved over recent weeks and he has previously been a thorn in City’s side when the two teams have met in previous seasons.
Continue Reading