Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe may consider making a few changes to his starting lineup for Saturday lunchtime's Premier League clash against Manchester City at St James' Park.

The Magpies, who suffered their first defeat of the season away against Fulham (3-1) last weekend, are still having to cope without injured quartet Callum Wilson (back), Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles (both knee) and Lewis Miley (ankle), the former of whom is not expected to return until after the next international break.

Howe has also confirmed that defender Matt Targett will miss Saturday's match due to "a flare-up of eczema", while star striker Alexander Isak is doubtful with a toe injury and has not taken part in first-team training this week.

The potential absence of Isak could see either Will Osula or Anthony Gordon handed a start up front; a start for Gordon as the central striker could therefore see Harvey Barnes - who has scored three goals in his last three Premier League appearances - and either Jacob Murphy or Miguel Almiron start on the flanks.

Howe handed Kieran Trippier and Lloyd Kelly starts at full-back against Fulham before replacing them in the second half for Valentino Livramento and Lewis Hall, who could both be recalled to the first XI on Saturday and play either side of centre-back duo Fabian Schar and Dan Burn.

Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes have been ever-present midfielders in Howe's side and are set to retain their starting spots, but Joe Willock could be at risk of losing his place to Sandro Tonali, who will be pushing for his first Premier League start of the season.

Newcastle United possible starting lineup: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Gordon, Barnes

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