Eddie Howe is looking for a response from his Newcastle United players against Manchester City this evening.
It’s been a busy international break for Howe and his coaching staff as they look to find solutions to get the club’s Premier League campaign up and running.
While the Magpies have enjoyed success in the Champions League and Carabao Cup, the Premier League has been a major frustration. Back-to-back defeats away to West Ham United and Brentford before the international break sees Howe’s side sit 14th in the table, just two points above the relegation zone.
“I've done a lot of analysis personally to try and make sense of it all and bring some clarity,” said Howe, speaking at his pre-match press conference. “And I think the key thing is always about the future and what tweaks and changes you'll make to try and find the best formula for consistent success.
“So having done that work, I've become excited about what the future will bring. There's no guarantee for anything, but I just want to see us consistently play to a really high level and that's the challenge.”
The tweaks and changes Howe mentions allude to personnel, and potentially the formation. United’s boss will be forced into making at least one change to his starting line-up as Dan Burn serves a one-match ban for his red card against Brentford.
Lewis Hall is raring to return, while Tino Livramento is also likely to be available following two months out with a knee issue. Anthony Gordon is also back fit, and both Nick Pope and Joelinton are fine despite being forced to come off last time out.
Here’s our predicted Newcastle United starting XI to take on Man City:
5. CB: Fabian Schar (in for Joelinton)
Could Howe switch to five at the back against Man City? If so, that'd see Schar recalled. | Getty Images
6. CB: Sven Botman
The Dutchman will need to improve significantly on his Brentford performance, though he isn’t the only one. | Getty Images
7. LB: Lewis Hall (in for Dan Burn)
With Dan Burn serving a one-match suspension, it seems guaranteed that Hall will start v Man City. And so he should. | Getty Images
8. CM: Sandro Tonali
Tonali was given the night off by Italy on Sunday, which Newcastle hope will work to their favour for one of their toughest matches of the season. | AFP via Getty Images