How Newcastle could line up in Premier League clash vs Man City (4-3-3) | OneFootball

Newcastle United are gearing up for a daunting return to Premier League action as they welcome Manchester City to St. James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.

The Magpies are hoping to bounce back after losing consecutive league games before the international break. But the odds are heavily stacked against them.

Newcastle’s record against Man City makes for grim reading and hardly inspires any confidence.

They have won just one of their last 35 meetings with City and lost the previous 12 in a row. But they can take solace from the fact that their only success in that run came on home turf.

Newcastle have only managed 12 points from their opening 11 games and are closer to the relegation zone than they are to the Champions League places.

They need a positive result to spark a potential renaissance, but their task against City is even more difficult with a couple of key players likely to miss out.

How Newcastle could line up

Nick Pope was forced off with a concussion in the defeat against Brentford, but he has recovered in time to reclaim his place between the sticks.

However, he returns to a slightly tweaked backline, with Dan Burn set to miss the game due to suspension.

His absence paves the way for Lewis Hall to make his first Premier League start for Newcastle since the goalless draw against Bournemouth in September.

The Englishman has had his issues with injuries, but Saturday’s outing gives him an early chance to stake a claim for a permanent spot in the first team.

He’ll likely line up alongside Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, and Kieran Trippier in defence.

Howe will likely name an unchanged midfield, especially with Joelinton shaking off a shin injury. The Brazilian should be joined by Sandro Tonali and countryman Bruno Guimaraes.

Anthony Gordon is a doubt for the game, with Howe confirming that a late fitness test could determine whether or not he plays a part.

If the game comes too soon, Harvey Barnes will step in to partner Nick Woltemade and Jacob Murphy in the frontline.