The schedule is nowhere near as intense, but the fixtures are just as tough as Newcastle United prepare to take on Manchester City this weekend.
The Magpies’ difficult January has got off to a fairly decent start. Our trip to Liverpool resulted in a defeat, but the performance was a bit better.
That was followed by the Tyne-Wear derby, which Newcastle won 3-0 against Sunderland. That win should serve as a massive confidence boost, which is exactly what Eddie Howe‘s side needs ahead of taking on last season’s treble winners at St James’ Park.
It is going to be an incredibly challenging game for Newcastle, and this is our predicted starting XI to take on Manchester City
Martin Dubravka to continue his fine Newcastle form
With Nick Pope still injured, Martin Dubravka will continue in between the sticks for Newcastle.
That is suddenly not as concerning as it once was, as the 34-year-old suddenly looks back to his best. He was outstanding during the defeat to Liverpool, while he also impressed in the derby win over Sunderland.
Calls for Newcastle to sign a new goalkeeper have gone quiet, and they will be silenced if Dubravka shines again on Saturday.
Lewis Miley replaces Joelinton against Man City
It looks like Newcastle will be forced into one change against Manchester City.
Joelinton was forced off at the Stadium Of Light with an injury, and it has been claimed that he will miss Saturday’s game. That now looks all the more likely after the 27-year-old was nowhere to be seen in the club’s latest training photos.
With Joelinton set to miss out, it should lead to Lewis Miley returning to the starting XI. The ‘incredible‘ 17-year-old has already started against Man City once this season, featuring in the Carabao Cup win over Pep Guardiola’s side.
He was hooked at half time on that night, and will hope to have a bigger impact in the Premier League meeting.
Still no Callum Wilson
Newcastle are still set to be without Callum Wilson, who could return in a couple of weeks for the FA Cup game against Fulham.
But Man City will come too soon, which means it will once again be Alexander Isak leading the line.
That will not concern Toon fans, as the 24-year-old is playing brilliantly right now. He scored a brace against Sunderland, and has four goals in his last three games.
Predicted XI vs Manchester City: Dubravka, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Bruno, Miley; Almiron, Isak, Gordon.
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