Joelinton to start with Anthony Gordon as striker - Our predicted XI for Newcastle United to face Manchester City

Manchester City host Newcastle United in the Premier League late kick-off on Saturday with the game getting underway at 8pm live on TNT Sports.

Newcastle are hoping once again to finally end the Etihad Stadium curse, where the Magpies have failed to win a single Premier League match.

It won't be an easy task for the Magpies, especially given the number of injuries Eddie Howe is having to deal with and the potential of his squad being absolutely knackered after a 5000-mile trip in midweek.

We expect Howe to make two changes to the starting team that dismantled Qarabag on Wednesday to give his side a bit more of a defensive look.

Goalkeeper

Nick Pope - Had two saves to make on Wednesday night, and one of those went right through his hand. Hardly a confidence builder, but he'll start on Saturday.

Defenders

Kieran Trippier (c) - If this does prove to be Tripps' last season at Newcastle, we're working him to the bone.

Malick Thiaw - Another goal for the towering German in midweek puts him on five for the season. He's really taking over the Fabian Schar mantle.

Dan Burn - Sven Botman should be available for this game, but we expect he'll start on the bench with BDB in the starting XI.

Lewis Hall - This could be one of those games where we hope Lewis Hall focuses more on defensive work than trying to roam forward.

Midfielders

Sandro Tonali - The Italian is looking better with each game as he aims to step up to cover what Bruno Guimaraes brings to the side.

Nick Woltemade - It looks like Eddie Howe is favouring playing the 6'6" forward in a deeper role, and we're enjoying watching him do it.

Joelinton - This one may be a bit fanciful on our part, given he's just come back from injury, but we need his grit in midfield. It will probably be Jacob Ramsey or Joe Willock, though.

Forwards

Jacob Murphy - Anthony Elanga was good on Wednesday, but Murphy is more likely to help out Trippier in defence, and that will get him the nod.

Anthony Gordon - Maybe Eddie Howe was right all along, and Anthony Gordon can play as a striker.

Harvey Barnes - Was a bit wasteful on Wednesday night, so we hope he can return to his goal-scoring form soon.