Newcastle United fans have expressed their concern after seeing the teamsheet for today's match against Manchester City – while also being happy to see the return of Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier. Newcastle United head to the Etihad today to play a City side that needs a draw or a win to go back to the top of the Premier League. However, Newcastle fans were not filled with confidence when they saw the side picked by Eddie Howe.
The starting eleven is Martin Dubravka in goal; Jamaal Lascelles has replaced Fabian Schar, who was injured against Liverpool and is on the bench; Dan Burn, Emil Krafth and Matt Targett complete the defence; in midfield there is Joelinton, Sean Longstaff and Bruno Guimaraes; and up front are Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron and Chris Wood.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe on studying Pep Guardiola at Manchester City
Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Willock are not in the team or on the bench. However, there was some good news, with Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier both who on the bench after long injuries, alongside Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, Javier Manquillo, Jacob Murphy and Dwight Gayle. With the strength of opposition at the forefront of everyone's minds, there was trepidation among Newcastle fans. Of particular concern was the Magpies' changed defence.
@NUFCAl_ tweeted: "Yeah we’re losing 4-0."
While @W47id wrote: "They getting smashed with that defence 4-0 by half time."
@jackparini said: "Well. This is going to be horrible."
It was the return of captain Jamaal Lascelles that prompted the most worry, with @MichaelNUFC_ responding: "NO NO NO, NOT LASCELLES."
@PresJon was worried too: "Lascelles makes me nervous, great to see Wilson and trippier back though"
@EverMore_NUFC added: "Great to see Wilson & Trips back. But I think the only way Lascelles is getting close to Jesus is if he reads the Bible before kick off."
While @RyanonWrasslin said: "Great to see Trippier & Wilson back on the bench but, Longstaff & Lascelles against City is ropes."
@Mowbz_ was more optimistic however: "1-0 Wilson, last ten minutes"
The match kicks off at 4.30pm. It will be broadcast on Sky Sports.
