Predicted Line-up: Manchester City vs Newcastle United

Newcastle United return to Premier League action on Saturday as they travel to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City. 

After a stunning 6–1 victory against Qarabağ FK, attention now shifts sharply back to reality as they prepare to take on title contenders Manchester City.

This marks the fourth clash between the two sides this season, with a fifth encounter already scheduled for next month.

They also dismantled 10-man Aston Villa in the FA Cup since their last Premier League game. 

Here is how I think ‘The Magpies’ will line up.

By Evan Jordan

Goalkeeper – Nick Pope

After a relatively quiet game on Wednesday, Nick Pope is likely to be much busier this weekend against a ruthless Manchester City side. 

Pope remains manager Eddie Howe’s first choice between the sticks. 

He absolutely starts.

Left-back – Lewis Hall

Lewis Hall has been pivotal for Newcastle United this season.

 He has improved tremendously from the player we saw in his first campaign in black and white. 

If fit, there is no doubt he starts.

Centre-back – Malick Thiaw

Thiaw has been an absolute rock at the back this season and is currently undroppable.

Centre-back – Dan Burn

With the current injury to Sven Botman, it is looking increasingly likely that Burn will partner Malick Thiaw at centre-back.

Howe mentioned Botman’s fitness levels in yesterday’s pre-match press conference.

Howe said: “Better news on Sven, he could be in and around this game.”

There is every chance we could see Sven on the bench tomorrow.

Right-back – Kieran Trippier

Considering Kieran Trippier is Newcastle United’s only fit right-back at the moment, there is absolutely no doubt he starts.

Howe also gave an injury update on Tino Livramento and Lewis Miley.

On Livramento, Howe said: “He’s making good progress.

“but I don’t think we’re going to shave too much time off the early March target for him.”

He then went on to address Miley, saying: “It was a dead leg, but I think it disturbed a bit of the muscle.

“I don’t think he’s too far away - nothing more than a week, a couple of weeks maximum.”

Central Defensive Midfield – Sandro Tonali

After scoring two incredible goals last weekend at Villa Park and producing a dominant midfield display in midweek, Sandro Tonali looks set to continue his brilliant form tomorrow night. 

He has taken on the role usually occupied by Bruno Guimarães superbly. 

His leadership and professionalism in midfield have been outstanding.

He 100% starts if fit.

Centre Midfield – Jacob Ramsey

Jacob Ramsey has been excellent in this recent run of starts he has found himself in and is set to make his fourth in a row. 

His creativity and off-the-ball work have been brilliant. 

With Joelinton slowly making his way back to full fitness, I think Ramsey will be ahead of him on tomorrow’s team sheet.

Centre Midfield – Nick Woltemade

With how well Nick Woltemade has been playing in that creative midfield role, I think Howe will want to continue his good run just behind Anthony Gordon. 

With Woltemade’s silky dribbling and great eye for a forward pass, I can certainly see him taking that final midfield slot ahead of Joe Willock.

Left Wing – Harvey Barnes

It has been a quiet couple of weeks for Harvey Barnes, with his last goal coming in a 3-0 home win against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League. 

All Newcastle fans know just how clinical Barnes can be when given the opportunity. With that in mind, ‘The Magpies’ will need to take every chance they get in front of goal.

Right Wing – Anthony Elanga

After getting some decent rest against Qarabag SK in midweek, Anthony Elanga should be raring to go for today’s game. 

His pace and agility are going to be pivotal in counter-attacks against Manchester City’s defensive line.

His Newcastle career did not have the best of starts, with the Swede struggling for minutes in the first half of the season. However, he has improved massively in the last couple of months and could be a useful attacking outlet for Newcastle tomorrow if he starts.

Striker – Anthony Gordon

After picking up the match ball in midweek thanks to a 33-minute hat-trick, Howe will be keen for Gordon to carry on his goalscoring form. 

Just like his teammate Barnes, his pace and clinical finishing in front of goal will be vital for Newcastle against a strong Manchester City defence. 

I can certainly see him leading the line in the number nine role tonight.