Tonali decision, Isak risk and Newcastle United's predicted XI to face Man City


Another week and another set of big selection decisions for Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe. The Magpies don't seem to have a settled side at the moment, which perhaps is one of of the reasons why they have yet to hit top gear on the pitch.

Results have been good, at least before last weekend's defeat at Fulham, and while there's confidnce within the camp that performance levels will rise, they face a huge challenge against Manchester City this weekend. You can be at your very best against Pep Guardiola's side and still lose, so United can't afford any slip-ups.

Howe again changed his full-backs at Fulham, with Kieran Trippier and Lloyd Kelly coming in for Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall. The change did little to help Newcastle defensively, although Trippier's inclusion does give the Magpies more of a threat from set-pieces, something which they must take advantage of against City.

READ MORE:Newcastle's 'dramatic' admission and the Man City legal development that could hold key

READ MORE:Man City are not unbeatable but Eddie Howe must get midfield decision spot on

Hall has huge amounts of promise, particularly going forward, but Kelly could be seen as the better bet defensively. He was selected when Spurs came to St James' Park at the start of the month, so he could well keep his place for this one.

The big decisions come further up the field - and one very much depends on a late injury assessment. Alexander Isak is playing through the pain of a broken toe and has not trained this week, leaving Howe with a big call to make. If the Swedish striker is ruled out, then he can either switch Anthony Gordon to a central role or hand Will Osula his first start.

Harvey Barnes looks set to keep his place either way, with Jacob Murphy ready to step in after setting up Barnes' goal in the second half at Craven Cottage.

Sandro Tonali remains the big question, however, with the Italian yet to start a Premier League game since his 10-month ban ended at the end of August. Joe Willock started at Fulham but only played the first half, with Tonali now pressing strongly for a place in the side. Joelinton has been out of form since a barnstorming display against Southampton on the opening day, while Sean Longstaff dropped to the bench at Craven Cottage.

Again, much could depend on Isak's involvement, with Willock an attacking midfield option in his absence. City are without key midfielders Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne, so this could be ideal time to try to get some sort of control in the centre of the park.

Due to the uncertainty over Isak, I'm going for two different predicted teams this weekend (it's allowed!), one with the Swede, one without.

NEWCASTLE UNITED PREDICTED XI WITH ISAK

Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Kelly; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Barnes, Gordon, Isak.

NEWCASTLE UNITED PREDICTED XI WITHOUT ISAK

Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Kelly; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Barnes, Murphy, Gordon.

Don't agree? Pick your Newcastle United side to face Man City here.