Both Manchester City and Newcastle United made wholesale changes in their FA Cup victories last weekend but all the big guns will return for this clash. A top four spot is up for grabs in the fight to secure Champions League qualification for next season. Here\u2019s a Newcastle predicted lineup to look at Eddie Howe might line up in this tough test at the Etihad.<\/p>\n
A win over Birmingham City last weekend in the fourth round of the FA Cup and the chance to give so many fringe players vital game time was the perfect outcome for manager Eddie Howe as the business end of the season looms large. Nick Pope was given an opportunity to impress in goal after being out for a number of weeks through injury. It remains to be seen if Howe\u2019s former first-choice keeper will have done enough to ensure he keeps his jersey.<\/p>\n
Read More:\u00a0Chelsea Suffer Blow As \u2018Unbelievable\u2019 Star Out For Lengthy Period With Injury Issue<\/a><\/p>\n Emil Krafth and Dan Burn were paired in the centre of defence with Tino Livramento and Matt Targett acting as full backs and even though Birmingham scored twice, Newcastle will just be relieved to get through the tie. Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley were on either side of the experienced Bruno Guimaraes in the middle of the park while Callum Wilson was able to lead the line for just under an hour before being replaced by Jacob Murphy.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong>Deloitte Football Money League: Real Madrid and Manchester City Top the Standings<\/a><\/p>\n William Osula and Joe Willock were used in the wide areas up front and both took the opportunity to get ninety minutes into their system. Most of the Magpies’ big guns will return for this one as the manager tries to keep his team in the hunt for a Champions League spot.<\/p>\n In recent weeks, Newcastle United have won away from home at Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham and will have no fears at the Etihad against a Pep Guardiola side that have undoubtedly lost their aura of invincibility. Any team can lose to Real Madrid but the huge frustration for City was throwing the lead away twice in their Champions League clash.<\/p>\n Read More:<\/strong>\u00a0\u2018No Idea\u2019: \u2018Outstanding\u2019 Liverpool Star Gives Worrying Update<\/a><\/p>\n Can the Magpies take advantage of the vulnerability that has been evident throughout the season with the reigning Premier League champions? Eddie Howe\u2019s 4-3-3 set-up has a flexible outlook that enables them to quickly revert to a 4-5-1 system as the Newcastle manager knows the home side will enjoy prolonged periods of possession.<\/p>\nNewcastle Recent Form and Tactics<\/h3>\n