Newcastle United will look to advance to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening when they entertain Manchester City at St James’ Park.
The Magpies were beaten 0-2 by Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final last season, and Eddie Howe will be aiming to go all the way to Wembley once again. His team are riding high following Sunday’s 8-0 thrashing of newcomers Sheffield United in the Premier League.
However, it is unanimously agreed upon that the Toon Army will face a much tougher test against Pep Guardiola’s Man City, who have enjoyed a 100 per cent start to the new season.
Newcastle United Team News
Newcastle United have been dealt with a serious blow with the news coming in that summer signing Harvey Barnes will be out for months after his toe injury against Sheffield United. Meanwhile, Joelinton, Joe Willock and Emil Krafth remain on the sidelines.
With the Magpies slowly adapting to the rigours of having two games a week, Eddie Howe is likely to freshen up his side against Man City and there is a good chance some of the fringe players will get the opportunity to impress from the start.
Predicted Newcastle lineup vs Man City (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
In goal, Martin Dubravka is certain to get the nod over Newcastle’s No.1 Nick Pope. The Slovakian could be in for a busy night against a top-class City side.
Defence
In front of Dubravka, Jamaal Lascelles should make his first start of the season in the Newcastle lineup. He will partner Dan Burn in central defence, with Sven Botman and Fabian Schar likely to be afforded a breather in midweek.
Summer signing Tino Livramento could replace Kieran Trippier at right-back in the Newcastle lineup, while Matt Targett will look to stake his claim in the first XI with a strong performance from the left-back position. The much-changed Newcastle backline have to be at their best to keep a clean sheet against City.
Midfield
Summer signing Lewis Hall is expected to make his full debut after coming off the bench in Newcastle’s 8-0 win over Sheffield United. Sandro Tonali will come into the first XI as well, joining Bruno Guimaraes in the Newcastle engine room.
Bruno will hold the fort in midfield, allowing Hall and Tonali to move forward and create opportunities in the final third.
Attack
In attack, although Callum Wilson has started the last two league games, it may be wise for Howe to rest the English striker for the weekend as he continues to manage his load after his injury problems, meaning Alexander Isak would take the reigns up front in the Newcastle lineup.
Isak would then be supported by Jacob Murphy on the left-hand side and Miguel Almiron on the right. With their pace and directness, the trio can cause a few problems for the City defence.
Howe may look to bring on Wilson and Gordon in the second half if Newcastle are in need of fresh impetus in attack.