Carabao Cup finalists Newcastle United have injury issues ahead of facing Manchester City in the Premier League.
Toon fans are fully focussed on the Carabao Cup final right now, but Eddie Howe will be keen to ensure that is not the case for his players. Newcastle United have some crucial Premier League games before facing Liverpool at Wembley, starting on Saturday.
The Magpies travel to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City, just days after Pep Guardiola’s side lost 3-2 in the Champions League to Real Madrid. Their fragilities were clear for all to see once again, and Howe will be eager to exploit them.
But the Toon boss has a few selection dilemmas, and this is Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United XI to face Manchester City.
Eddie Howe makes Kieran Trippier decision
One of the biggest decisions Howe must make is who starts at right-back between Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento.
Trippier was exceptional against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final, and that performance warrants an extended run in the starting XI.
With Trippier staying at Newcastle, Howe must rely on his experience between now and the end of the season. In turn, that will result in Tino Livramento being on the bench, at a time when his form has been inconsistent.
Newcastle are sweating on Dan Burn’s fitness after sustaining an injury against Birmingham, but he will hopefully be fit to start at centre-back alongside Fabian Schar.
Newcastle United star rewarded for FA Cup heroics
Howe rotated against Birmingham City, but will put out his strongest possible XI on Saturday. That gives him a midfield dilemma, as Joelinton remains injured.
Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley are all pushing to join Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes in midfield, and it is the former who should get the nod.
The £25million man’s goals were pivotal at St Andrew’s, with Willock silencing the critics with his FA Cup performance.
What he needs is a run in the side, and that should result in him retaining his place in the XI against Manchester City.
Anthony Gordon returns after injury
Newcastle United were without Anthony Gordon against Birmingham City due to a thigh injury.
However, it has been reported that Gordon will be fit to face Manchester City, while he has since been spotted in training. That is a massive boost for Eddie Howe.
The 23-year-old should immediately return to the starting XI, joining Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy in attack.
Harvey Barnes remains injured, while Callum Wilson and Will Osula will provide attacking cover on the bench.
Predicted XI vs Man City: Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Hall; Bruno, Tonali, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
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