Newcastle United, last season’s beaten finalists, will hope to start their League Cup campaign with a win over Manchester City at St. James’ Park.
Clearly, this is a difficult test for Eddie Howe’s side at this early stage of their campaign, but after surviving an AC Milan onslaught in the Champions League last week before obliterating Sheffield United 8-0 in the Premier League on Sunday, there will be optimism that they can win.
Especially with Pep Guardiola’s side nursing a few injuries, the imperious treble winners have been in typically destructive form this season, boasting a perfect league record across six outings and a successful start to their Champions League defense in the group stage.
However, with a number of first-team players injured and Rodri’s recent red card, there is a real chance for the Magpies to exploit a crack in City’s armour and pull off a significant victory as they seek silverware this season.
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Harvey Barnes will be out for “months rather than weeks” after injuring his foot against the Blades on Sunday, according to Howe.
Joelinton and Joe Willock are also out, limiting the Toon manager’s choices in midfield.
Alexander Isak, who came off the bench against United, might make his debut, while Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, who both signed this summer, will be hoping for their first starts in black and white.
Should Lewis Hall start vs Manchester City?lewis hall
Hall arrived from Chelsea on loan in August with an obligation to make the move permanent for £35m, and made his debut at the weekend, playing the final nine minutes against Paul Heckingbottom’s stricken side.
Given the strenuous workload that serves as a by-product of a return to European competition, Howe might actually be wise to hand Hall his maiden start against the ominous squad of Manchester City, especially after his performances against the Citizens for Chelsea last term.
Indeed, with City looming, Hall was handed the nod for Chelsea in the Carabao Cup last season; the Blues were lost, but Hall shined, winning six of his seven duels and completing all three of his attempted dribbles, according to Sofascore.
According to FBref, the 19-year-old ranks among the top 6% of full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for shot-creating actions, the top 16% for successful take-ons, the top 5% for tackles, and the top 10% for interceptions per 90 over the past year, and could use these skills to great effect against a top-tier team.
With Sandro Tonali also likely to earn a recall to the starting fold, Hall’s technicality and “unbelievable dribbling ability” – as has been said by BBC Sports’ Raj Chohan – could pay dividends in breaking down one of the most cohesive and formidable outfits in world football.
Tonali has yet to find his feet on English soil after joining from AC Milan in a £55 million summer transfer, but he is undeniably a first-rate midfield talent who will only improve as he adjusts to life at St. James’ Park, ranking among the top 12% of midfielders in assists per 90 minutes.
Defeating City will not be easy, but Howe knows what he’s doing and will put his squad up appropriately to sink the finest team in the country, and with Hall deployed at left-back, adding athleticism and excitement, an inspiring victory may just be achieved.