Liam Kennedy’s Newcastle United XI - with five huge selection calls at Man City
Newcastle United travel to Premier League champions Manchester City in their penultimate away fixture of the campaign.
Will he or won’t he?
It’s the question of the tip of every Newcastle United fans’ tongue after Allan Saint-Maximin’s bizarre comments, aimed at his teammates, late last week in the French press.
Apologies made and seemingly accepted, will Howe opt for the Frenchman or bring back Chris Wood.
Will Callum Wilson even get a shout - and what about Kieran Trippier?
Well, got our version of a United XI ahead of the trip to the Etihad - and we think it’s likely to see changes.
In the early season meeting at St James’ Park, Pep Guardiola’s side emerged as 4-0 winners. But a lot has changed since then.
Indeed, Eddie Howe’s men are no longer at risk of relegation and are a team transformed with 10 wins in 2022 so far.
Admittedly, getting a result at the Etihad Stadium would still be a major shock against a wounded City side.
Howe is hoping the Magpies aren’t on the receiving end of a strong City response following their devastating Champions League semi-final defeat to Real Madrid on Wednesday.
“It can work both ways,” Howe said when asked about Man City’s defeat.
“You can be emotionally affected for the positive or negative. From our perspective, we will 100 per cent prepare for the best Manchester City and we have to be the best Newcastle we can be.
“I don’t think there’s any doubt their head will be in the game. They know now they’re fighting and their focus changes to the Premier League.
“They’ve been very consistent in their results and nothing has wavered their focus. I don’t expect this to. The only thing we can control is turning up and being the best us.”
Who will Howe name in his Newcastle United starting XI to take on Guardiola’s men? Here’s Liam Kennedy’s prediction:
1. Goalkeeper: Martin Dubravka
Had easily his best game for a long time in the 1-0 home loss to Liverpool, although it was also easily the busiest he’s been for a long time, too. Will be hoping for less to do today, which seems a touch unlikely.
2. Right-back: Kieran Trppier
A lot of this depends on just how fit the player is, and whether after such a long injury he’ll be thrown straight back in. I’m sure he’ll want to be thrown in at the deep end - and Howe might just go for it.
3. Centre-back: Jamaal Lascelles
The club captain was solid enough when brought on v Liverpool and is unlikely to let the side down if Fabian Schar isn’t fit enough to play.
4. Centre-back: Dan Burn
Has been an absolute colossus since he was signed for around £13million in January. I think few could have predicted things would go so well for the former Brighton man back on home turf.