Newcastle United will play hosts to Manchester City at St. James’ Park on Sunday hoping to pull off an upset at home in the FA Cup. The Magpies will come into this contest on the back of a 1-1 draw versus Aston Villa in midweek. In contrast, the Citizens are wounded at the moment following their disappointing 2-1 loss away at Chelsea. Hence, Pep Guardiola will demand an improved showing from his players at Tyneside.
Steve Bruce will opt for a 4-4-1-1 formation and might be inclined to name an unchanged team for this FA Cup clash against the Mancunian giants this weekend.
4-4-1-1 Newcastle United Predicted Lineup To Face Manchester City
Defence
Martin Dubravka will play in between the sticks for the Magpies having kept two clean sheets in his past three league starts. Jamaal Lascelles will yet again partner Federico Fernandez at the heart of Steve Bruce’s defence. Both Newcastle centre-halves will have to defend valiantly if they are to keep the Man City attackers at bay on Sunday.
Javier Manquillo will retain his place at right-back while Danny Rose fills in on the other side as the left-back. Bruce will ask both his full-backs to sit deep and defend in numbers when the Citizens come to town this weekend.
Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth will be available for selection on the bench.
Midfield
Isaac Hayden is a slight doubt for this game but should get the nod to start alongside Jonjo Shelvey in midfield if he can pass a late fitness test. The dynamic duo will have to fight for every loose ball so that they can make life difficult for the opposition at the centre of the park.
Allan Saint-Maximin will look to make full use of his pace and agility down the left flank. Bruce will expect Matt Ritchie to operate as a right-winger if he can win the race against time to be fit for this home encounter.
Miguel Almiron will play in the number ten position as part of the Magpies attack. He will hope to cause all sorts of problems in and around the Man City penalty box while operating on the shoulders of Joelinton.
Attack
Joelinton failed to net a goal in his last league start but should still keep his spot in Bruce’s first-team. The Brazilian striker will lead the line for the Magpies as he looks to produce another hard-working performance up top.
Both Dwight Gayle and Andy Carroll will have settle for a place on the bench but could come on as the impact substitutes if Bruce calls upon their services.
