Four changes as Howe starts £100m duo – Predicted Newcastle team to face Man City

Almost a week on from that cup final at Wembley, we’re back in Premier League action today against Pep Guardiola’s Man City.

With official team news just a few hours away, here’s the XI we’re backing Eddie Howe to go with at the Etihad:

(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Willock, Bruno, Joelinton – Gordon, Isak, Saint-Maximin.

I can see Howe making four changes from Wembley, giving us some fresh legs in midfield and added pace in attack.

Nick Pope is back from suspension and will replace Loris Karius in goal. There’s calls for Matt Targett to come in for Dan Burn at left-back, but Man City away on your first start since November would be throwing the former in at the deep end; something Howe rarely does.

After training all week, I can see Joe Willock replacing Sean Longstaff in midfield. His ability to break at pace could be key down that right-hand side, with Joelinton likely to be covering that left flank to protect Burn and make similar bursts forward while Bruno sits.

In attack, I’d be shocked if Alexander Isak doesn’t start. His pace and ability to carry the ball at speed could hurt City on the counter, not to mention Callum Wilson looked sluggish (once again) last weekend. Anthony Gordon is well rested and raring to go. The question is, does he replace Allan Saint-Maximin – who could leave Burn too exposed down City’s left – or an out of form Miguel Almiron who looks in need of a rest? Tough to say, but I’d favour ASM when Miggy looks out of ideas and in need of a week off.