Is this the Newcastle United starting XI Eddie Howe will name to face Manchester City - featuring FOUR changes?
Newcastle United welcome Premier League champions Manchester City to St James’ Park - just three days after suffering a 3-1 defeat at Liverpool.
Eddie Howe’s side can take positives from the way they performed at Anfield despite coming out as losers. Man City, however, pose a new, and perhaps greater challenge.
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Hide AdWith Pep Guardiola’s men hitting Leeds United for seven last time out, Toon fans are worried the same could happen to their team.
The Christmas fixture list is hectic, and Howe has already hinted at squad rotation.
Here, Jordan Cronin predicts the starting XI Howe will name to face Man City - featuring four changes:
GK: Martin Dubravka
The Slovakian will need to be at his best if Newcastle are to get something against Man City, much like he performed at Anfield.
RB: Javier Manquillo
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Hide AdFor all his faults at times, Manquillo is the club’s only recognised right-back, if you discount the attack-minded Jacob Murphy.
CB: Fabian Schar
The Switzerland international has started each of Eddie Howe’s six games in charge. Only Ciaran Clark could replace him in the starting XI.
CB: Jamaal Lascelles
Lascelles has had more downs than ups in a Newcastle shirt this season but Howe has vowed to stick by his captain.
LB: Matt Ritchie
With Jamal Lewis out with a hamstring injury for the foreseeable future, Ritchie is very likely to regain his starting place.
CM: Jonjo Shelvey
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Hide AdLast time out, Newcastle witnessed the good and bad of Shelvey. Despite his error, there is no other midfielder who possesses his quality on the ball.
CM: Joe Willock
Dropped to the bench for the visit to Liverpool, which he will hopefully come back stronger from after a largely underwhelming campaign so far.
CM: Joelinton
The Brazilian played in a deeper midfield role at Anfield, just like he did against Norwich, and performed solidly, particularly impressive when in possession.
RW: Miguel Almiron
Either Allan Saint-Maximin is injured or in need of a rest anyway. Almiron’s work rate and energy against Man City will be crucial.
LW: Ryan Fraser
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Hide AdWas one of Newcastle’s best players at Liverpool and is someone Howe feels he can rely on.
ST: Callum Wilson
Rested for the game against Liverpool after playing the final 13 minutes. Expect Newcastle’s top scorer to return against Man City.
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