Newcastle United are aiming to end a run of three successive Premier League defeats when they host Manchester City on Saturday evening (5:30pm kick-off). Eddie Howe’s side haven’t won a league game since defeating Fulham on Tyneside last month, but ended a run of four defeats in a row in all competitions by beating Sunderland at the Stadium of Light last weekend.
The Magpies, who won an FA Cup match for the first time under Howe’s tenureship, will take great confidence from that win over their fierce rivals. However, this weekend sees them come up against a Manchester City side that they have not beaten in the league in almost five years.
Newcastle have already tasted victory against City this campaign in the Carabao Cup, but were soundly beaten at the Etihad Stadium in the reverse fixture back in August. Here, we take a look at the starting XI that Howe could name for the clash against Pep Guardiola’s side on Saturday:
1. GK: Martin Dubravka
Dubravka was brilliant against Liverpool despite conceding four goals and pulled off some crucial saves to stop Sunderland finding a route back into the game last weekend.
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
Having missed the trip to Anfield, Trippier made a timely return to the starting XI at the Stadium of Light. He scored a memorable free-kick in this fixture last season.
3. CB: Fabian Schar
Schar has recently signed a contract extension with the club and will be hoping to end the week by helping his side secure a result against Manchester City.
4. CB: Sven Botman
Botman will be in for a tough afternoon if Erling Haaland is deemed fit to start at St James’ Park. The Dutchman is slowly making his way back to full fitness following an extended period on the sidelines.