Newcastle United expected starting XI versus Manchester City: One change as £20m man drops out

Newcastle United host Premier League champions Manchester City in just their third game of the 2022-23 campaign.

And you can bet already that Eddie Howe’s side won’t face many more difficult tests than Pep Guardiola’s City.

It’s early days in the new season but Man City, with Erling Haaland leading the attack, are already looking dangerous having recorded consecutive wins against West Ham and Bournemouth.

But Newcastle also have room to be optimistic. In their two opening games, Howe’s men have beaten Nottingham Forest and earned a draw at Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Magpies have only lost twice at St James’ Park since December - but one of those teams to leave Tyneside victorious was Man City.

Howe called the visit of Guardiola’s side the “ultimate test”, so how will the Magpies head coach set up his team?

Here’s how NewcastleWorld expects Newcastle United to line-up against City:

GK: Nick Pope

If Pope continues his heroics from the Brighton game then United might just have a chance of getting a result against City.

RB: Kieran Trippier

Newcastle will need Trippier’s quality and experience in order to get a result against the Premier League champions.

CB: Fabian Schar

The Swiss defender has enjoyed a pretty flawless start to the campaign - scoring a screamer against Forest and then clearing a shot off the line at Brighton.

CB: Sven Botman

Far from the ideal opponent when you’re still adapting to Premier League life but with Botman, the signs have been nothing but encouraging.

LB: Dan Burn

Newcastle will make a late call on Matt Targett’s availability. But even if he is passed it, Burn’s performance at Brighton last week should see the Blyth-born defender retain his place.

CM: Bruno Guimaraes

A strong midfield display against City will further reaffirm why Spanish giants Real Madrid reportedly admire the player. But for now, Guimaraes is going nowhere.

CM: Sean Longstaff (in for Joe Willock)

The midfield battle will be key and Longstaff adds a bit more defensive stability alongside Bruno.

CM: Joelinton

Brings a physical presence to the midfield but the Brazilian will have to temper his aggression as United look to put in a disciplined performance.

RW: Miguel Almiron

His workrate and relentless pressing will be key against City. Will be asked to track back and try and provide some quality in the final third.

ST: Callum Wilson

Howe knows Newcastle need to be clinical to have a chance of getting a result against City. Wilson tends to only ever need one opportunity to score.

LW: Allan Saint-Maximin

Counter-attacks will be key for Newcastle and it’s likely Saint-Maximin will be at the heart of those.