Is this the Newcastle United starting XI Eddie Howe will name to face Man City?

Our writer Jordan Cronin has predicted the Newcastle United starting XI Eddie Howe will name to face Manchester City.

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.

With 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

Unfortunate to concede three on Thursday, put in a solid display.

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

For 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

Newcastle United’s captain will likely have a big role to play in their survival bid this campaign.

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

Expected to return to the side in Jamal Lewis' absence.

With Jamal Lewis out with a hamstring injury for the foreseeable future, Ritchie is very likely to regain his starting place.

CM: Jonjo Shelvey

Scored his first goal of the season on Thursday with a fine strike. Then suffered an error of judgement which led to Liverpool taking the lead.

Last 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

Probably his best game in black and white since arriving in 2019. His transformation has been brewing since March, but has accelerated rapidly since Eddie Howe took the reins.

The Brazilian played in a deeper midfield role at Anfield, just like he did against Norwich, and performed solidly, particularly impressive when in possession.