Newcastle United will aim to bounce back from two straight defeats and kickstart their Champions League ambitions when they travel to face Manchester City. Eddie Howe's side must shake off their Carabao Cup final disappointment for Saturday's clash with the defending champions at the Etihad.
The Magpies head coach made three changes for the Wembley defeat to Manchester United, with Loris Karius making his competitive debut for the club in place of the suspended Nick Pope. Bruno Guimaraes returned from his own three-match ban, while Callum Wilson was given the nod over record signing Alexander Isak.
However, the manner of the successive defeats has raised questions as to whether Howe should rotate for the upcoming encounter with City. Matt Targett could be in contention for a first top-flight start since September, while the recent lack of goals could see Anthony Gordon handed a full debut along with a return for Isak.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe explains decision to send Ryan Fraser to Newcastle U21s and says he wants "committed" players
If Howe opts to make changes, the Newcastle boss is blessed by almost having a full squad to choose from. Emil Krafth is the only player ruled out through injury at this point, with the Sweden full-back still recovering from a serious knee injury sustained in the Carabao Cup second-round win at Tranmere Rovers last August.
However, the Magpies head coach has also confirmed that Ryan Fraser will not be in contention for the foreseeable future after being asked to train with the under-21s. The pair previously worked together at Bournemouth, and the winger seems set to leave this summer after hardly featuring this term.
It was a six-goal thriller in the reverse fixture at St James' Park in August, with City recovering from a two-goal deficit to earn a point in a 3-3 draw. Pep Guardiola's side booked their place in the FA Cup sixth round with a midweek win at Bristol City, and will look to close the gap to league leaders Arsenal in the early kick-off.
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