Newcastle United will not be eased gently back into action after their defeat to Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday as they face Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday.
It is a big game in their season considering the task of finishing in the top four is looking tougher and tougher as Tottenham have climbed above them into fourth and Man Utd are showing little sign of slowing down.
Eddie Howe needs to pick his team up from that disappointment on Sunday, so this is the XI he could deploy.
Newcastle predicted lineup vs Man City (4-3-3)
GK: Nick Pope - The Loris Karius experiment will be over now Nick Pope is back from suspension with Martin Dubravka as his number two.
RB: Kieran Trippier - He is one of the players others will have looked to for guidance on Sunday and it will be no different here against Manchester City. He will have a tough time up against either Phil Foden or Jack Grealish.
CB: Fabian Schar - He cut a frustrated figure at times against Manchester United but will need to be at his best as he takes on Erling Haaland and others on Saturday.
CB: Sven Botman - There is no reason to suggest Howe will move away from his favoured defensive partnership after the final and Botman has just as big a job to do as Schar.
LB: Dan Burn - This will be a really big test of Burn's credentials at left-back as he will be up against some of the best forward players in the world and could get isolated one-on-one quite a lot.
CM: Joelinton - The Brazilian is another player Howe will be standing by on Saturday. He did not show his best at Wembley but his physicality can be an issue for City.
CM: Bruno Guimaraes - It is likely to be touch and go as to whether Guimaraes starts after struggling with a knock against United, but with other midfield options unavailable, Howe may be left with no choice.
CM: Sean Longstaff - He was impressive in possession in the cup final and will feel that he can mix it with the likes of Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan at the Etihad.
RW: Jacob Murphy - There is a chance Howe may give Miguel Almiron a breather and look to use him as an impact sub, which would give space to the quick Jacob Murphy on the right.
ST: Alexander Isak - There appears to be so little between Isak and Callum Wilson in the battle to start up front, so Wilson's blank in the final could lead to a start for the Swedish forward instead. His pace on the counter could be a key factor.
LW: Allan Saint-Maximin - A threat throughout in the final, albeit with limited end product, Saint-Maximin will be trying to get the better of Kyle Walker.
Source : 90min