Newcastle United are set to be without four players for Saturday's Premier League clash with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Harvey Barnes (muscle), Jamaal Lascelles, Joelinton and Sven Botman (all knee) all remain sidelined, while Howe has issued a positive update on both Anthony Gordon (thigh) and Dan Burn (groin) who could return to the side on Saturday after missing last weekend's 3-2 win over Birmingham City in the FA Cup.

Nick Pope returned in goal against Birmingham and Eddie Howe must now decide whether to continue with his former number one or recall Martin Dubravka between the sticks.

Both Fabian Schar and Lewis Hall are set to return in defence and could be joined in the back four by Valentino Livramento and Burn if he is deemed fit to start. Emil Krafth is another defensive option at Howe's disposal.

Joe Willock scored twice last weekend and will be hoping to retain his place in midfield in the absence of Joelinton, joining Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali in the middle of the pitch.

Should Gordon be passed fit to start, he will be expected to play on the left wing as Jacob Murphy operates on the opposite flank and star striker Alexander Isak, who has scored 17 Premier League goals this season, leads the line, while Callum Wilson will provide cover on the bench having now recovered from injury.

Newcastle United possible starting lineup: Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Gordon

> Click here to see how Manchester City could line up for this contest

Written by
Oliver Thomas