Joe Willock recalled amid huge Nick Woltemade decision – Newcastle predicted XI vs Man City

Joe Willock is likely to be recalled to the Newcastle United starting XI amid four changes for Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Manchester City.

The midfielder hasn’t started for the Magpies since the 21 February league meeting against this weekend’s opponents, but is set to get the opportunity to impress after Jacob Ramsey’s red card in midweek.

Eddie Howe’s squad are stretched to the bare bones amid several ongoing injury concerns, meaning that he has little room to manoeuvre in terms of resting players.

However, with Newcastle’s chances of securing European football for next term growing slimmer with every passing game at the moment, he will surely opt to place all his eggs in the FA Cup basket.

With that in mind, Football Insider predicts the XI that the boss will start with for Newcastle’s clash with City.

Nick Woltemade starts amid fresh Sandro Tonali concern

Nick Woltemade’s performances have been under scrutiny of late, as the German striker continues to struggle in front of goal after his move last summer.

He was ruled out of Wednesday’s win over Manchester United through illness, but some sections of the fanbase have been pushing to see him dropped in recent weeks.

Nevertheless, Howe is set to hand the 24-year-old another chance to shine in the cup after he scored in the victory over Aston Villa in the last round.

Woltemade has often operated in a slightly withdrawn attacking midfield role of late, and Howe is likely to persist with that against City, with midweek hero William Osula set to lead the line as a result.

Sven Botman could return to the fold to give Dan Burn a rest at the heart of the backline, while Willock is likely to replace Ramsey in the midfield, with Sandro Tonali’s fitness a doubt ahead of the game.

Elsewhere on the pitch, Howe’s team effectively picks itself due to the injuries, but Anthony Gordon could once again be trusted to start, as the boss looks to name a team capable of downing Pep Guardiola’s men.

Woltemade’s future may hinge on midfield adaptation

Football Insider revealed in February that Howe is planning to continue utilising Woltemade as a midfield option rather than as a striker, in a bid to help him find form before the end of the season.

The 48-year-old has previously enjoyed success in that department with Joelinton, and he is now trying to repeat the trick amid ongoing speculation surrounding the German’s future.

His £69million move from Stuttgart hasn’t really worked out so far, and his ability to adapt and find a way of navigating himself into Howe’s system could drastically affect his long-term future on Tyneside.

Howe has preferred to use Gordon’s pace at the top of the pitch in recent weeks, and that has prompted suggestions that it could be a permanent attacking midfield role or nothing for Woltemade.

With that in mind, he may effectively be playing for his future every time he steps over the white line at the moment, and Howe will be desperate to see a strong performance from him on Saturday.

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