Aaron Ramsdale one of three changes: Our predicted starting XI for Newcastle United to take on Manchester City

Newcastle United are back in action on Wednesday night as they journey to the Etihad Stadium to attempt to turn over a 2-0 deficit against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg. Kick-off is at 8 pm live on Sky Sports.

We have to keep mentioning, but Newcastle haven't scored in their last four visits to the Etihad Stadium and have never won at that ground since Man City left Maine Road and made the City Of Manchester Stadium their own, so this is no small task for the Magpies.

Had Eddie Howe had a fully fit squad to choose from, it would still be a daunting prospect, but there'd be some hope available. We're missing so many players through injury, and those who are available are absolutely goosed that we can't even fake optimism.

We expect Eddie Howe to make three changes to the team that faded into obscurity at Anfield on Saturday night, and we expect a striker will actually start this game.

Goalkeeper

Aaron Ramsdale - Rambo has been the domestic cup goalkeeper this season and after Nick Pope's clanger late on at Anfield, we have no problem with him coming in for this one.

Defenders

Kieran Trippier (c) - The ageing full-back may be struggling with the schedule at this point, but Lewis Miley isn't available, so he'll have to plod on.

Malick Thiaw - Also plodding on is Thiaw, who continues his streak of games. Fatigue is creeping in for Thiaw, and it's leading to errors. If only there were a period where we could have brought in a new player to provide cover for him.

Dan Burn - Sven Botman is expected to be available after missing out on Saturday, but it may be a bit risky to throw him straight in from the start.

Lewis Hall - The man flying the flag for the Toon of late. By far our best player.

Midfielders

Joe Willock - Rediscovering his form at just the right time as Newcastle are missing Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley.

Sandro Tonali - We feel he owes us a convincing performance after the speculation around his future, coinciding with poor form.

Jacob Ramsey - Still waiting ot be impressed by Ramsey. Some fans and pundits have been happy with his output of late, but I'm not seeing it.

Forwards

Harvey Barnes - We expect Barnes to return to the lineup over Anthony Elanga as the first of two changes up top.

Yoane Wissa - Eddie Howe left three strikers on the bench on Sunday. Surely he won't do that again tomorrow.

Anthony Gordon - Gordon was phenomenal for 40 minutes on Saturday. Can we get that level out of him for 90 minutes?