Newcastle are win-less through three games of the Premier League season – but there performances have deserved more.
The Magpies were frustrated against Spurs on the opening weekend, before a late penalty miss from Kenedy against Cardiff condemned the Tynesiders to a 0-0 draw.
A penalty and own goal for opponents Chelsea on Sunday was enough to hand the visitors a 2-1 win, and Newcastle must be left scratching their heads wondering how they failed to come out of those fixtures with just a point.
And things aren’t getting easier.
A trip to Manchester City is never what a team in Newcastle’s position wants, but it will give the players a chance to prove themselves against some of Europe’s premier talent.
Here’s how we think Newcastle might line up against the champions:
GK: Martin Dubravka
The undisputed number one in the North East.
RB: DeAndre Yedlin
The American full-back was cursed with putting through his own net to hand Chelsea the win, but he did provide a great delivery for Joselu’s goal.
CB: Federico Fernandez
The new signing from Swansea looks poised to hold down the perimeter of Newcastle’s centre-back trio.
CB: Jamaal Lascelles
The skipper was left out against Chelsea through injury, but could return to the lineup here.
CB: Fabian Schär
The other new signing means that Benitez is blessed with four first team quality centre halves – Ciaran Clark the one to miss out here.
LB: Paul Dummett
Veteran full-back who could have his hands full with Riyad Mahrez.
RM: Matt Ritchie
The Scot picked up a knee injury against Chelsea, but is unlikely to miss out in Manchester.
CM: Jonjo Shelvey
Also absent from the team against Chelsea, Newcastle fans will be eager to see their midfield maestro back in action.
CM: Mohamed Diame
The physical midfielder is the perfect partner for Jonjo Shelvey in the centre of the park.
LM: Kenedy
Prevented from playing against his parent club Chelsea, the winger needs a strong bounce back from his performance against Cardiff.
ST: Salomon Rondon
The Venezuelan bagged a goal midweek for Newcastle, and will be searching for his first Premier League goal of the year.
