HOWE IN FULL-BLOWN CRISIS MODE: Joelinton BLOWN UP, Forced to Unleash Newcastle’s SECRET WEAPON – The “Brazilian Phil Foden” Who’ll Absolutely TORCH Man City Tomorrow! You Won’t Believe What Happens Next!
Newcastle United host Manchester City in the Premier League this weekend, returning from the November international break with a crucial run of domestic fixtures stretching until March.
By then, Newcastle could be fighting for a Champions League place or even defending their Carabao Cup crown — but only if their form improves quickly.
The Magpies have struggled this season and sit 14th in the table. Despite this, their strong home record at St. James’ Park offers Eddie Howe a prime opportunity to reignite momentum with a statement win.
However, City have been a major obstacle in recent years, losing only once to Newcastle in their last 15 meetings and conceding just one league defeat to them since 2005/06.
The atmosphere at SJP is expected to be fierce, and Newcastle will need every bit of energy they can muster, especially with several injury concerns.
For City, Rodri and Mateo Kovacic are unavailable, giving Newcastle’s midfield a chance to impose themselves.
Howe, meanwhile, is sweating on Joelinton’s fitness after the Brazilian suffered a painful leg injury against Brentford. Although he has not been ruled out, Howe may avoid risking him.
Sandro Tonali and Nick Pope are cleared to play, while Anthony Gordon remains doubtful. Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento may also start from the bench after recent knocks.
Yoane Wissa is still working his way back from the knee injury he sustained with DR Congo and is not ready for his debut.
If Joelinton misses out, Howe has a strong replacement option in Lewis Miley. While Jacob Ramsey is also pushing for a start, Miley’s calm deep-lying playmaking would free up Tonali and Bruno Guimarães to dictate the game with more dynamism.
After early-season criticism, Miley has grown in confidence and was particularly impressive in wins over Benfica and Fulham.
Journalist Liam Kennedy even described his display against Benfica as a “coming-of-age performance” that showed he is ready for consistent Premier League minutes.
At just 19, Miley remains raw but possesses a rare blend of composure, creativity and defensive intelligence.
His rising profile has prompted comparisons to Phil Foden, with one Newcastle podcaster calling him Howe’s “own Phil Foden.” With 58 appearances, three goals and five assists already to his name, he is far from an unknown quantity.
If Howe secures his first-ever Premier League win over Man City, it could mark a pivotal shift in Newcastle’s season, especially after a summer window that left lingering structural issues.
While stars like Nick Woltemade, Guimarães and Tonali will draw attention, this match may be Miley’s moment to truly announce himself.
Newcastle cannot afford a home defeat, especially with difficult away trips to Marseille and Everton looming.
