.png)
Predicted Line-Up: Newcastle United’s XI to Face Manchester City
- Liam Rafferty
- Feb 3
- 2 min read
Newcastle United face Manchester City tomorrow in the second leg of the Carabao Cup, and here’s how Newcastle manager Eddie Howe’s side is expected to line up.
by Liam Rafferty
There’s significant news from St James’ Park ahead of the trip to the Etihad.
Club captain Bruno Guimarães, along with Joelinton and Lewis Miley, will all miss the match, further stretching an already thin squad.
The task was always going to be a tough one.
Newcastle trail 2-0 from the first leg and haven’t won at the Etihad Stadium since 2014, making this a daunting challenge.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the predicted XI:
Goalkeeper – Nick Pope
With the season on the line and a trophy defence at stake, Howe is expected to stick with Pope once again, as he did in the first leg, rather than handing minutes to backup goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
Right-back – Kieran Trippier
Newcastle have no real alternatives at right-back, leaving Trippier as the only available option.
Centre-back – Malick Thiaw
Since arriving on Tyneside, Thiaw has been outstanding.
His inclusion is an easy decision.
Centre-back – Dan Burn
Although Howe confirmed Sven Botman is ‘okay’ in his pre-match press conference, there remains doubt over whether he’s ready to start.
Burn’s experience and reliability could earn him the nod.
Left-back – Lewis Hall
Another straightforward selection.
Hall has been excellent and is virtually irreplaceable in this side.
Defensive midfield – Sandro Tonali
With Guimarães and Joelinton sidelined, Tonali is set to anchor the midfield as the holding midfielder.
Central midfield – Jacob Ramsey
This will be a major test for Ramsey, but Howe is expected to show faith in him again after his recent outing against Liverpool.
Central midfield – Joe Willock
Willock’s inclusion means the midfield and defence remain unchanged from Saturday night’s clash with Liverpool.
Left wing – Anthony Gordon
Howe made a bold call last time out by using Gordon centrally, but he’s expected to return to his preferred position on the left wing for this tie.
Right wing – Harvey Barnes
The in-form Barnes is likely to keep his place for this crucial fixture.
Striker – Yoane Wissa
Wissa is tipped to start ahead of Nick Woltemade, with his pace seen as key to exploiting space in behind Manchester City’s defence.
Comments