Predicted Newcastle lineup to face Manchester City

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Newcastle United face the unenviable task of heading to Manchester City after their Carabao Cup final disappointment.

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle were unable to win at Wembley, and now must dust themselves down for a Premier League clash with the champions Man City.

The Magpies are going to be up against it at the Etihad, and Howe may see this as the perfect time to rotate his side. It is clear that some players are in desperate need of a rest, and that will hopefully come on Saturday.

This is our predicted Newcastle lineup for this weekend’s game against Manchester City

Newcastle make changes at the back

The most obvious change Howe will make at the Etihad is recalling Nick Pope. He has served his suspension now, and will replace Loris Karius in goal. That is despite the fact the German played very well at Wembley.

But Pope’s return isn’t the only anticipated change at the back. Matt Targett is fully fit once again, and we believe he will make his first Toon start since November.

The £15million man could come in at left-back, but it is Fabian Schar who we think he will replace. The centre-back took a nasty knock to the head early in the Carabao Cup final, but was not taken off.

Targett coming in for Schar will see Dan Burn move over into the middle, meaning Sven Botman will have to play as the right-sided centre half.

Joe Willock predicted to return vs Man City

Joe Willock was only fit enough for the bench at Wembley, but he is expected to be in contention to start at the Etihad.

We have the 23-year-old coming in for Sean Longstaff, who was taken off at half time last week for tactical reasons. But he is a player that is in need of a rest, and Willock will add more running power to our midfield.

Hopefully Bruno Guimaraes is fit to start. He picked up an ankle problem against Manchester United – fingers crossed he can shake it off in time.

Anthony Gordon’s first appearance in Newcastle starting lineup

Newcastle are struggling for goals right now, which is why Howe should mix up his front three.

Miguel Almiron is someone who probably needs a break, which could hand Anthony Gordon his first Toon start. He has impressed off the bench since his big money move in January.

Up front, it is time for Alexander Isak to start over Callum Wilson. The 23-year-old was excellent when he came on at Wembley, while Wilson was noticeably ‘quiet‘.

Aside from recalling Pope, this is the change that Howe should definitely make against Man City.

Predicted XI vs Man City: Pope; Trippier, Botman, Burn, Targett; Willock, Bruno, Joelinton; Gordon, Isak, Saint-Maximin.