Excitement and tension are in the air on a cold Saturday afternoon in the North East, as we hope to get our Premier League campaign back on track against Manchester City.

Looking to bounce back from a mini slump before the international break, Eddie Howe and the lads have a big task ahead of them today against Pep Guardiola’s formidable title contenders.

A win would be only the second win Howe has managed against today’s opponents in his entire career, after we knocked City out of the 23/24 Carabao Cup at St James’ Park.

Here’s how the teams lineup for this evening’s game, and there’s some big calls from Howe…

Confirmed line-ups

Newcastle XI: Pope – Livramento, Thiaw, Schar, Hall – Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton – Murphy, Woltemade, Barnes

Subs: Ramsdale, Ruddy, Botman, Elanga, Willock, A.Murphy, Ramsey, Neave, Miley

Man City XI: Donnarumma – Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly – Nico, Silva, Foden – Cherki, Haaland, Doku

A total of three changes in the Newcastle XI from the side that played against Brentford. Lewis Hall has made his long awaited return to the starting XI in place of the suspended Dan Burn, his first start since the trip to Bournemouth back in September.

Also making his return is Tino Livramento, who hasn’t played since the league game against Arsenal. He has a huge task ahead of him against Jeremy Doku, and Guardiola will be watching that battle very closely if City’s long-standing interest in the fullback is still present.

Fabian Schar also makes his return to the starting XI in place of Sven Botman, whilst absent from the squad altogether are Kieran Trippier,  Anthony Gordon and the suspended Dan Burn. The surprise trio of John Ruddy, Sean Neave and Alex Murphy take their place.

Nick Pope has retained his place in between the sticks, having been forced off due to injury in our last league game against Brentford: Aaron Ramsdale’s wait for a first Premier League start in a black and white shirt goes on.

And for the visitors, it’s a ferociously attacking side. Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku are the main threats, but Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden also start.

St James’ Park will need to be rocking today if we want to get all three points. Howay the lads!