Newcastle United’s attempts to go one better in the Carabao Cup than last season begin with a very tough test against Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s side won this competition four seasons in a row between 2018 and 2021 and defeated the Magpies 1-0 in the league meeting between the sides just over a month ago.
City have won every game in the Premier League and Champions League this season with their last defeat coming against Arsenal in the Community Shield.
It will be a very tough ask for Newcastle who have their own injury concerns heading into the game amid a hectic league, cup and European schedule.
With that in mind, here, we take a look at the starting XI that Howe could name for the Carabao Cup clash with Manchester City:
City have won every game in the Premier League and Champions League this season with their last defeat coming against Arsenal in the Community Shield.
9. RW: Jacob Murphy
Murphy put in a very solid performance at the San Siro and had to do his fair share of defensive work to repel the threats of Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao.
10. ST: Callum Wilson
Wilson revealed he was ‘disappointed’ to only score once on Sunday as seven of his teammates also cashed in. Whilst managing his workload will be key this season, Newcastle will need a focal point up-front against City and that could be Wilson.
11. LW: Alexander Isak
Injury to Harvey Barnes means Anthony Gordon wasn’t given the rest that had been planned for him at the weekend. Isak, therefore, could be asked to deputise on the wing in Gordon’s place on Wednesday night.