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:
9. CM: Bruno Guimaraes
We know he’s adored on Tyneside, but, as captain, Guimaraes needs to step up during this challenging period. | Getty Images
10. RW: Anthony Elanga (in for Jacob Murphy)
Yes, it’s been a disappointing start to life on Tyneside for Elanga but a regular run of games could be what he needs. | Getty Images
11. LW: Harvey Barnes
Anthony Gordon could well be back but it’s hard to drop Barnes given he provided the only bit of quality at Brentford last time out. | Getty Images
12. ST: Nick Woltemade
Woltemade has been feeding off scraps since joining Newcastle, yet scored six times in 12 starts. More needs to be done to get the German involved more. | Getty Images