At a time when we could really do with our first three points of the season, a trip to face one of Europe's most feared sides (and this year's favourites for the Champions League) in Manchester City is far from ideal.
City's immaculate start to the season was halted last Saturday after a 1-1 draw at Wolves, so that combined with the absence of Kevin De Bruyne could give us hope, although I'm expecting a real backs to the wall game.
Anyone who didn't like our 'negative' approach to the Chelsea game can expect more of the same. I'm expecting 10 behind the ball and Rondon as our outlet on the break - however it would be nice if we can get one or two up in support of him when the chances arrive.
More of a 5-2-3 opposed to a 5-4-1 may be wise for this one? I'm not suggestive we give City as good as we get (going toe to toe would mean for a massacre), but we need to show a little more ambition on the ball and can't leave Rondon quite so isolated.
Lascelles is back, but being without Shelvey and Ritchie will reduce our already slim chances. The former is the one player who could set us up on the counter with some cutting long passes, and the latter is a workhorse and someone you'd expect to follow Rafa's tactical plan to the letter far better than the likes of Atsu or Murphy.
Sergio Aguero has scored EIGHT goals in his last two home matches against us (and 14 goals in his 11 league appearances against Newcastle). That stat says a lot about who the main danger man may be tomorrow, but there's so much more to city with Sterling, both Silva's, high flying wingers (Sterling/Sane/Mahrez) and marauding full backs in Mendy and Walker all to watch out for offesively.
Preferred XI
Here’s the team I’d like to see, followed by the side I expect Rafa to go with:
As highlighted earlier, I'd prefer to see more of a 5-2-3 opposed to a 5-4-1, meaning our wingers (likely to be Kenedy and Murphy) are slightly higher up and able to support Rondon in attack as and when we get the ball.
With Shelvey out and Hayden banned I can't see beyond a Ki and Diame partnership, and Lascelles is almost certain to return in defence after recovering from an ankle problem.
I can see him coming in for Schar. Fernandez was our stand out player against Chelsea and looked a very good communicator too, and Clark has been an ever present so far this season, so Schar may be nudged out the team after a poor showing against Forest on Wednesday.
Dubravka will return in net and you'd think he'll have to have a blinder if we're to come away from this one with a result.
Predicted NUFC XI – (5-4-1) – Dubravka– Yedlin, Lascelles, Fernandez, Clark, Dummett – Murphy, Diame, Ki, Kenedy – Rondon
