Manchester City hasn’t traditionally been a happy hunting ground for Newcastle United - they are yet to win at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League and have just one League Cup triumph to their name in that time.
And this weekend, they will face a City side that will want to bounce back from their shock Champions League exit to Real Madrid on Wednesday evening.
So how will Eddie Howe try to combat the Citizens? Will he change formation from last weekend’s 4-3-3 set-up against Liverpool, or will it be more of the same for the Magpies? What about Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier - will we catch a glimpse of them back in action for Newcastle after long injury lay-offs?
Here, we predict what Newcastle United starting XI Howe will pick to face Manchester City on Sunday:
1. GK: Martin Dubravka
Despite going down 1-0 against Liverpool last weekend Dubravka was probably Newcastle United’s Man of the Match. He will undoubtedly be tested once again this weekend. Photo: PAUL ELLIS
2. RWB: Kieran Trippier
It’s been a long time since we have seen Trippier on the pitch but with a good week’s training behind him - could this be the game he makes his long awaited return? Photo: Stu Forster
3. CB: Fabian Schar
After limping off against Liverpool, there has been little update on Schar’s current fitness status but it would be a big boost for Newcastle to see him in the back line once again on Sunday. Photo: PAUL ELLIS
4. CB: Jamaal Lascelles
It could be a ‘backs-against-the-wall’ job for Newcastle on Sunday and they may need the leadership skills of their captain to get them through unscathed. Photo: Alex Livesey