Newcastle United host Manchester City in the third round of the Carabao Cup this evening (kick-off 8pm) - and both managers are expected to make changes to their team.
While Magpies head coach Eddie Howe refused to be drawn on which players could feature in his starting line-up, City boss Pep Guardiola has been extremely vocal about his.
During his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Guardiola confirmed Kalvin Phillips, Jack Grealish and Mateo Kovacic would feature at St James’ Park.
“Jack is much better, Mateo as well,” said Guardiola during his pre-match press conference. “I don’t know how many minutes, from the beginning or second half, but they’re going to play minutes, yeah.”
“He [Phillips] will start,” Guardiola added. Not just this week but for many times since he arrived, Rodri has been really important, his consistency, he knows everything, the game like what happened against Forest.
“The second half was a little bit more defensively, you have to do the process, and [Phillips] made three or four incredible options to help us breathe.
“We have to make the process in small spaces and tried to help him to make this step.
“Of course the game tomorrow is important for the next ones, we’ll see in every single game and I will decide what is best for the team.”
Guardiola said after Saturday’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest that he won’t “waste one per-cent of energy” on the Carabao Cup because of injuries - but Howe doesn’t believe it and is anticipating the Spaniard naming his best City XI.
Here’s the early team team news from both camps - with eight players ruled out and two doubts.
1. Joe Willock - out
Willock was nearing a return from a hamstring injury earlier this month before suffering a new Achilles problem.
2. Emil Krafth - doubt
Krafth is back training following 12 months out with an ACL injury but is still gradually building his fitness.
3. Joelinton - out
Joelinton is understood to have resumed training this week but the visit of Man City will likely come too soon for the Brazilian.
4. Harvey Barnes - out
Barnes is facing “months rather weeks” on the sidelines after picking up an injury at Bramall Lane on Sunday.