Key events
Eddie Howe talks to TNT Sports. “[The Manchester United win] is a big boost for us … a good performance … 11 v 10 … confidence … we need to take that into this one … it wasn’t the draw we wanted … but we’re at home … we need to play with the same energy to get the crowd with us again … we have made a few changes to keep the players fresh … I’d love to see [Nick Woltemade] on the end of a few crosses.”
Newcastle United make four changes to their starting XI after the 2-1 win over Manchester United. Sven Botman, Joe Willock, Nick Woltemade and Wednesday night’s matchwinning hero Will Osula replace Dan Burn, Joelinton and Anthony Gordon, who drop to the bench, and the suspended Jacob Ramsey.
Manchester City wipe the slate clean, just about, following their 2-2 home draw with Nottingham Forest. Ten changes, which means it’s easier to tell you the identity of the only starter still standing: Matheus Nunes. Erling Haaland has the night off.
The teams
Newcastle United: Ramsdale, Trippier, Botman, Thiaw, Hall, Tonali, Willock, Barnes, Woltemade, Elanga, Osula.
Subs: Pope, Joelinton, Wissa, Gordon, Livramento, Jacob Murphy, Burn, Alex Murphy, Neave.
Manchester City: Trafford, Matheus Luiz, Khusanov, Stones, Ake, Gonzalez, Reijnders, O’Reilly, Savio, Marmoush, Doku.
Subs: Donnarumma, Dias, Cherki, Guehi, Rodri, Silva, Ait Nouri, Semenyo, Foden.
Referee: Sam Barrott (West Yorkshire)
Preamble
Welcome to the fifth match between Newcastle United and Manchester City this season. The previous four don’t offer too much in the way of clues: City bossed Newcastle in both legs of the League Cup semi-final, but Newcastle won this corresponding fixture in the league, and recently gave City an almighty fright with a spirited performance in defeat at the Etihad. Throw in the fact that City will be slightly dispirited after losing ground in the title race midweek, while Newcastle are high on life after a sensational victory over old foes Manchester United, and you can make a proper case for both teams emerging victorious tonight. Entertainment ahoy! Kick-off is at 8pm GMT. It’s on!
(And to think they could feasibly face each other in the Champions League final as well.)
