Newcastle Toons
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Newcastle could be in danger of a Boxing Day blowout vs. City

By Carson A Merk

Isaac Hayden of Newcastle United F.C. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Isaac Hayden of Newcastle United F.C. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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With poor play in recent weeks, Newcastle United will face a tall task tomorrow when they face Manchester City.

Newcastle United enter the weekend after a disappointing draw vs. Fulham and an embarrassing EFL Cup loss to Championship side Brentford. Awaiting them will be a Boxing Day battle vs. Manchester City. Can Steve Bruce & Co. turn around the club’s recent struggles on Boxing Day or will the negative momentum continue for the Toon?

Player to Watch

Newcastle United: Callum Wilson

There’s a lot of pressure on Wilson’s shoulders to carry the scoring load. But, he’s a proven player and has had a great season thus far. After a few misses on Tuesday vs. Brentford, Wilson will need to be clinical against City because his chances will surely be limited.

Manchester City: Whoever starts up top

For Newcastle United, they will hope Ferran Torres gets the nod at striker. The 20-year-old has endless potential, but he’s only scored once in nine Premier League appearances, filling in for Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus. If Jesus or Aguero start up top, Newcastle will be facing an established star that can give the defense fits.

NUFC Availability Update

Steve Bruce is definitely not pulling from a fully healthy squad yet. Jamaal Lascelles and Allan Saint-Maximin are still out with symptoms from Covid-19, but the captain seems on track to return sooner and was photographed at training.

Fabian Schar also appeared to be seen in a picture from the training ground, which is positive due to the limited options at center-back. Federico Fernandez is a question mark after needing to sub off vs. Fulham last weekend.

Bruce added that Dubravka is close to being able to make a return and that he welcomes the competition between him and Karl Darlow, who has exceeded expectations in his place.

Next. Newcastle should pursue the Brentford star that beat them. dark

Newcastle United will win if…

They can turn in an excellent defensive performance and steal a goal on the break. Playing at the Etihad, Steve Bruce will likely have Newcastle United bunker down defensively. If they can play well as a unit and get some big saves from Karl Darlow, one goal on the counter-attack could be the difference-maker.