How could Eddie Howe line up Newcastle against Manchester City?

Newcastle United, after facing a disappointing loss against Fulham, would face table-toppers Manchester City at the St. James. Clearly, given the performances of both clubs, Pep's side enters the fixture, being the favorites even when they have De Bruyne and Rodri unavailable for the fixture. Though Eddie Howe's side could trigger the weak areas of the visitors, created by the absence of these 2 superstars, they need significant improvisation to expect some handy points from the fixture.

Newcastle United, currently at 10 points from the first five matches, would want to register the complete 3 points at their home. On that note, let's take a look at the probable lineup Eddie Howe might use to outplay Manchester City:

Defense

Starting with the keeping position, it has been much clear that Nick Pope has been one of the most consistent performers for the Magpies this season, and not facing significant issues, he would be the no-brainer in the XI. Moving to the back four, where there are some possibilities of a change. In the game against Fulham, Kieran Trippier, starting at the right-back position, had sounded far from convincing, and thus, Howe might consider Tino back again in an attempt to utilize his best XI against Manchester City.

On the left-back role, Howe could start any one of Lyold Kelly and Lewis Hall, but the English manager might prefer Hall, given his effect in coming at half time against Fulham. At the heart of the Newcastle defense, the duo of Fabian Schar and Dan Burn seems good to go, considering their decent performances in the last games.

Midfield

Considering that Manchester City are losing on two of their most important midfield stars, the Magpies club must fancy their chances, picking the best 3 names here. As has been their heavyweight star Sandro Tonali's presence since his return, Eddie Howe needs to start the Italian midfielder against City. As the second name in the midfield setup, Club Captain Bruno Guimaraes comes in automatically, given his utility and experience in the number 6 role.

For the third position, Howe might need significant brainstorming given that neither Longstaff nor Joelinton's form has been brilliant and starting Willock hadn't gone right against Fulham. However, considering his gut feeling, the manager may rely upon the Brazilian powerhouse Joelinton, given the trio of Tonali, Guimaraes, and him had been crucial in the club's last win against Manchester City.

Attack

So far this season, the Magpies attack has been overly dependent on star winger Harvey Barnes only, and the club needs much to improvise here in order to fight for points against Manchester City. Considering the club's performance this far, Harvey Barnes must start on the left wing, as a no-brainer, with Isak at the front and Gordon on the right wing.

While it has been significantly evident that the Isak-Gordon duo has looked rather ineffective this season, considering their repute for performing in big games, this might be the perfect opportunity for them to turn things around. Both Gordon and Isak have a single goal each to their names in the season so far, and they would want to change it this time, playing a crucial role in the fixture.