Dan Burn and surprise player have travelled with Newcastle United squad to face Manchester City
We had suspected that Dan Burn would make the cut for the Newcastle United squad to face Manchester City today, but one player we didn't expect to be near a return has also traveled.
Eddie Howe hinted that Dan Burn's groin injury wasn't going to be much of an issue, and we took that as him saying that the big defender would be involved at the Etihad.
In fact, we pretty much based our lineup prediction around the idea that Dan Burn would be fit, so if he's not starting, our lineup goes completely out the window.
We mentioned in our lineup prediction that options from the bench are limited in terms of true game-changers, but it looks like Howe may have one at his disposal after all.
Harvey Barnes looks to be available to play a part against Man City
Harvey Barnes has travelled with the team to Manchester, according to Joel Bland, which suggests that he will be on the bench this afternoon.
Howe had hinted that Barnes wasn't ready to make a return, but it seems the winger has other ideas.
He's unlikely to start, but we all know that Barnes is more effective as a super-sub. So between him, Callum Wilson and Will Osula, Eddie Howe could change the entire front three late on and inject some fresh legs to run at the City defence.
Brighton did Newcastle United a big favour last night
Our FA Cup fifth-round opponents Brighton did us a huge favour last night by battering Chelsea, thanks to two goals from Yankuba Minteh, which means that if we beat Man City today, we'll not only go above them in the league, but we'll also jump above Chelsea into fourth.
Not that the lads need incentive, but that's one right there should they require that extra push.
HOWAY THE LADS!
