7 changes - Predicted Newcastle team to face Man City
After back-to-back wins in cup competitions but two defeats in our last three in the Premier League, Newcastle United face a trip to Man City in today's 3pm kick-off.
A tough test, but also an opportunity to get our top-four hopes back on track against a City side who look surprisingly fragile, with their midfield sorely missing Rodri and back four ripped apart in Tuesday's late collapse at home to Real Madrid.
We haven't won at the Etihad since 2014, but our fortunes have been changing under Eddie Howe and our away form has been quietly impressive over the last 12 months, with 17 wins and three draws in our last 28 on the road in all competitions.
With kick-off edging closer, here is the Newcastle side we're backing Eddie Howe to select against Pep Guardiola's side:
Predicted Newcastle XI
(4-3-3): Dubravka - Trippier, Schar, Burn, Hall - Bruno, Tonali, Willock - Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
Based on the last XI in our FA Cup win over Birmingham last weekend, this would mean seven changes to Howe's starting XI, with Dubravka, Trippier, Hall, Tonali, Murphy, Isak and Gordon replacing Pope, Livramento, Targett, Longstaff, Miley, Osula and Wilson.
Starting in goal, Dubravka hasn't given Howe a reason to drop him yet, so I see him returning to the side. I think Trippier will come back in at right-back after such a strong display in our 2-0 win over Arsenal last week, especially when Livramento has been a little off the boil of late.
At centre-back, we know Botman is out but it's not clear if Burn will make it, despite the positive update on his groin issue. We could do with his physicality against Haaland so I get the feeling he'll play, with Krafth ready to step in if he doesn't start.
In midfield, Joelinton's absence hands Willock a chance to step in and build on that brilliant display and two-goal contribution at Birmingham. That will be a huge lift for him and I expect Howe to reward his best performance of 2024/25 with a start at the Etihad.
Up top, the front three picks itself now Gordon has been passed fit to play. Hopefully Isak is at it against a City defence that looked fragile and full of errors in that midweek collapse against Real Madrid.
How do you see us lining up today? Comment below with your predicted line-ups...
