With kick-off just hours away at the Etihad, it’s time to look at the latest team news and Newcastle’s likely line-up for tonight’s FA Cup quarter-final against Man City.
Anthony Gordon is facing a late fitness test after returning to training on Friday following a knee scare, but Harvey Barnes (hamstring), Kieran Trippier (calf), Nick Pope (shoulder), Joelinton (thigh) and Callum Wilson (pectoral) remain out.
Howe mentioned in yesterday’s press conference that Sean Longstaff has been playing through the pain and having injections on his ankle, so it remains to be seen if he’ll be selected once again after he struggled badly at Chelsea. Dan Burn is thought to be OK despite landing heavily on his back on Monday.
For Man City, Kevin De Bruyne, Ederson and Jack Grealish have all been ruled out, with the former not selected by Belgium for the upcoming internationals.
So, who starts? I would like to see Miley or Anderson replace Longstaff in midfield, but the latter hasn’t missed a minute (somehow) since the turn of the year. I’d also like Krafth at right-back and Livramento down the left to help us cope with Foden and (potentially) Doku, but again I can’t see Howe making those moves.
I think Gordon will be fine to start and I’m expecting Murphy to replace Almiron down our right after his goal at Chelsea. He’s offered more than Miggy of late and deserves a start.
Predicted XI: Dubravka – Livramento, Schar, Botman, Burn – Longstaff, Bruno, Willock – Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
