Eddie Howe: 'Sandro Tonali can make a real difference for us'
Eddie Howe spoke to TNT Sports ahead of today's match with Manchester City and he spoke about the decision to start Sandro Tonali.
It will be his first start in just over a year and the Italian will have a tough task against Manchester City's midfield, but his boss thinks the former AC Milan man can have a real impact.
'I think sandro has come back from his ban in a good place he has trained really well, when he has played he has done well and impacted the game so after a disappointing performance last week we have changed the team.'
'It was difficult we had a perfectly brilliant player we couldn't use and we needed him but we couldn't use. All we could do was focus on the comeback and make sure he was ready and he can make a real difference for us he is an outstanding player.'
Man City's last league trip to St James' Park
If the last year's league meetings at St James' Park between these two are anything to go by we could be in for a real treat.
Last season saw a five-goal thriller settled by Oscar Bobb's fantastic finish as he rounded Martin Dubravka to tap home, sealing Manchester City's comeback.
It was a match filled with fantastic goals from Bernardo Silva's sumptuous flick, to Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak's wonderful curling efforts.
Let's hope for more of the same today.
Breaking:Man City XI to face Newcastle
Pep Guardiola is forced into a change as Mateo Kovacic starts in place of the injured Rodri.
Elsewhere, Rico Lewis returns to the starting XI along with Jack Grealish.
Man City XI: Ederson, Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan, Rico Lewis, Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva, Erling Haaland
Breaking:Newcastle XI to face Man City
Newcastle's Alexander Isak has not made the squad for the Magpies today but Sandro Tonali makes his first start since his ban.
Newcastle XI: Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, Anthony Gordon
Pre-match predictions
How are you feeling Newcastle fans? Worried about the line-up following the injury news to Alexander Isak?
What about the Man City fans? How do you fancy your chances without Rodri?
Let us know your match predictions in the comment rail to the right
Anthony Gordon: 'I think the way I play resonates with the fans'
Anthony Gordon spoke to TNT Sports ahead of today's match where he spoke about his connection with the fans as well as providing an updated on his contract talks with the club.
'I have a great relationship with the fans here, I think the way I play resonates with them.'
'It doesn't matter where I play, for me it is about handling moments when they come to me. Striker, left wing, it doesn't matter.
'I think we responded really well in training, the game being called off mid-week was good for us as it gave us a chance to react.'
'Yeah it is close I am really excited but we will focus on that when it comes.'
Hello and welcome!
Hello and thank you for joining us!
Only five games into the season and we have another massive game for you in Saturday's early kick-off.
Manchester City travel to St James' Park following a frustrating draw against 10-men Arsenal last week. A result that seems to have left a bitter taste in the mouth as both sides have traded barbs all week.
For Newcastle, it is a chance to grab a real scalp and stamp their intentions for a European place this season. A win would even see them go level on points with their visitors today.
Stay tuned we should be set for fireworks!
Newcastle's Isak injury concern
Eddie Howe has been hit with a major injury concern ahead of today's visit from Manchester City.
Striker Alexander Isak has appeared as doubt for the clash with the Magpies boss confirming that the Swedish striker has not trained this week.
It comes after Mail Sport revealed the 25 year-old is suffering from a fresh toe injury.
If Isak is unable to play, it certainly presents a serious selection headache for the Magpies boss who is also without Callum Wilson.
