Newcastle United predicted XI vs Man City: two key changes made as Eddie Howe makes worrying injury admission

Newcastle United supporters could be mistaken for feeling like lambs to the slaughter this weekend. A 7,800-strong Geordie contingent will descend on the Etihad as the Magpies take on Manchester City.

Another Wembley trip is on the line, with Newcastle aiming to progress past the FA Cup quarter-final stage for the first time since 2005. Last season’s winners, who also bagged a historic treble, stand in their way.

A trip to Pep Guardiola’s side poses arguably the toughest challenge in world football and City will be taking no prisoners on their quest for further glory. The two sides are set to meet for the fourth time this season, with this weekend’s clash the most important.

Toon fans can take solace from the 1-0 Carabao Cup win at St James’ Park in September but Man City won both league games - including the crushing 3-2 defeat earlier this year. Ahead of the clash, 3AddedMinutes has profiled how Newcastle will likely line up at Eastlands.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Martin Dubravka is the undisputed first choice for Eddie Howe until Nick Pope returns from injury next month. The back four also picks itself, with Tino Livramento, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman and Dan Burn likely to start.

Other options available include Lewis Hall - but is Howe going to throw the youngster in against City having shunned him all season? There have also been a few calls for Jamaal Lascelles to return given Botman’s worrying form.

One of the leakiest away defences in the Premier League are going to be put to the sternest test possible. Dubravka and Co will need to be on their A game for the Magpies to have a chance.

Midfield

Assuming Howe sticks with his trusted 4-3-3 - despite calls for change - Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock are nailed on to start. The other midfield spot, however, is up for debate.

Sean Longstaff has held that down for months while Joelinton and Sandro Tonali remain ruled out. However, the North Shields native has looked sluggish and stunk Stamford Bridge out on Monday. 

The Toon boss confirmed Longstaff is playing through an injury at his pre-match press conference which hints towards a possible place on the bench. Fellow Geordies Lewis Miley and Elliot Anderson are waiting in the wings to stake their claim.

Attack

Similarly to the defence, Alexander Isak must perform well for the Magpies to stand a chance of winning. Despite barely kicking the ball against Chelsea, the Swede still produced a moment of magic for the first equaliser.

He must be looking at those supplying the bullets and questioning his ambitions this summer. Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron are not good enough, but, unfortunately, one of them will start at the Etihad.

In fairness to Murphy, he played well on Monday and, for that reason, gets the nod here. Anthony Gordon hobbled off in the first half but, when speaking to NUFC TV following his England call-up, confirmed he is expected to be ok.

Predicted XI: Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Botman, Burn; Guimaraes, Longstaff, Willock; Murphy, Gordon, Isak