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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:
5. LB: Dan Burn
Whilst Tino Livramento has impressed this season, it is clear that Burn is still Howe’s first-choice left-back when fit. | Getty Images
6. CM: Lewis Miley
Comes back into the side in the absence of Joelinton. The 17-year-old made his first competitive start for Newcastle in the 1-0 win over Manchester City in the Carabao Cup in September. | Getty Images
7. CM: Bruno Guimaraes
If Newcastle are going to be successful in controlling the midfield and stopping City from dominating the middle of the park, then Guimaraes will have to play well. The Brazilian may also be the key in helping Newcastle attack when they get the opportunity. | Getty Images
8. CM: Sean Longstaff
Longstaff’s energy and work in midfield will be needed on Saturday with City set to dominate the ball. | Getty Images