High responsibilities on midfield trio to replicate their previous heroics against Man City

After a disappointing performance at the Craven Cottage, Eddie Howe's Newcastle looks forward to facing Premier League Champions Manchester City next. While the Magpies club enter the fixture on the back of their worst performance of the season, Pep's side heads into St. James Park, having reduced Arsenal to a draw.

High responsibilities on midfield trio to replicate their previous heroics against Man City

But while, upon analyzing the recent forms of the two clubs, it certainly looks like Man City is the favorite, things could turn in the hosts' favor, given the Etihad club would be without two key superstars. With Rodri having faced an ACL against Arsenal and de Bruyne's availability in question, the Magpies club stands a chance if they manage to master their midfield.

Not to forget, Newcastle's only win against the Manchester side came when Eddie Howe's side had their best three aces, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton, and Captain Bruno Guimaraes, in midfield and thus, much expectation would be on the trio to be crucial for the club. However, with Joelinton and Guimaraes being lately out of form and Tonali's place uncertain, it is going to be difficult for Howe to align them up.

While it is understandably reasonable that manager Eddie Howe has transitioned Italy star Tonali slowly back into the lineup, now it feels the time has come to give him a start. Even in the club's disappointing performance against Fulham, things did take a slightly better turn for the Magpies when Tonali joined the pitch in the 74th minute. Considering the form he has been in, be it with his national team or at Newcastle, he certainly should be a starter in Howe's midfield setup.

Moreover, as manager Howe had mentioned recently, as per his plan to bring the best out of Guimaraes, he would opt for the Brazilian every day, and otherwise, as well, it isn't possible to keep him out of the setup. Finally, if Joelinton, who hasn't been in touch since the season opener, could return to form, this midfield trio could definitely do wonders against Manchester City.

Overall, key responsibilities would be on Sandro Tonali, Captain Bruno Guimaraes, and powerhouse Joelinton to outplay the City midfield, fancying Newcastle's chances in the fixture. Considering such an important fixture coming the club's way, Newcastle fans would hope they do manage to grab significant points from the matchday.