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It is the Premier League leaders versus the Premier League champions on Saturday night, with Newcastle United heading to the Etihad to take on Manchester City.
It is an 8pm kickoff in Manchester, much to the frustration of Pep Guardiola. His side played on Wednesday night in the UEFA Super Cup out in Greece, leaving Man City with limited time to prepare.
That could play into Newcastle‘s hands, in what is set to be a massive game between two excellent sides.
Eddie Howe will be eager for his side to impress against last season’s treble winners, and this is our predicted Newcastle XI to face Man City
Kieran Trippier starts vs former club Man City
The only thing missing from Newcastle’s 5-1 win over Aston Villa was a clean sheet. The Magpies conceded in the first half, with Moussa Diaby finding the net.
It will be very tough for Howe’s side to keep a clean sheet at the Etihad, where he will need all of his defenders and Nick Pope to be on their best form.
He will name the same back four that faced Villa, including Kieran Trippier. He came through the academy at Manchester City, as he returns to the club where he started his professional career.
Harvey Barnes on the bench for Newcastle
Harvey Barnes had a debut to remember last week, bagging an assist and a goal in front of the Gallowgate. He was also denied a second assist when Callum Wilson missed from close range.
The 25-year-old was outstanding off the bench, but it is unlikely to lead to a start against Man City.
We anticipate that Howe will go with the same front three that started the previous game. Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak and Miguel Almiron have real pace that can hurt Guardiola’s side, and there will be space in behind for them to exploit.
For Barnes, he will have to settle for a role as a substitute once again, and hope that he is able to have as big of an impact.
Predicted XI vs Man City: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Tonali, Bruno, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Gordon.