Newcastle United face another enormous challenge as they prepare to take on Manchester City, a team that has frustrated Eddie Howe throughout his managerial career.
City are one of the toughest sides in world football, and for Howe they have been a recurring storm he has struggled to calm. Across 20 meetings with the reigning champions, he has tasted victory only once, and that came in the 2023/24 Carabao Cup thanks to a sharp finish from Alexander Isak at St James’ Park. It was a special moment, but one that remains the exception rather than the norm.
As the team prepares for tonight’s 5:30pm kick-off, there is renewed hope that Newcastle will show a stronger response after a poor run of form. The international break offered Howe two weeks to reset, reassess and rebuild confidence within a squad that has looked flat in recent away performances.
The defeats to Brighton, West Ham and Brentford have been deeply frustrating for supporters, and many feel that something has to change. Alan Shearer, the club’s greatest goalscorer and a voice fans trust, believes Howe is preparing to shake things up.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer made it clear that he expects some adjustments, whether that means a tactical switch or changes in personnel. He stressed that Newcastle cannot keep repeating the same patterns if they want better results.
In his view, Howe is far too smart and self-aware to let this run of form continue without taking action. Shearer also sympathised with supporters who feel disappointed by recent results, admitting that the away performances especially have fallen below expectations.
Despite this, Shearer dismissed any talk about Howe’s future as premature and unfair. He insisted that the manager has earned enormous credit for everything he has achieved since taking over the club.
Under Howe, Newcastle have climbed out of relegation danger, returned to the Champions League, reached domestic cup finals and rebuilt their identity. Shearer believes the board will not panic and will remain patient even during difficult stretches, pointing out that the club are already into the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup and still performing well in Europe.
For him, Howe deserves time, respect and trust, and speculation over his job should not be taken seriously.
Attention now shifts to the changes Howe might make against Manchester City. Many fans feel this is the right moment for Aaron Ramsdale to finally start in the Premier League for Newcastle.
Nick Pope’s disappointing performance at Brentford and the injury he picked up have opened the door for Ramsdale, who has shown confidence, composure and leadership in the matches he has played so far. Facing Erling Haaland is one of the harshest tests a goalkeeper can receive, but Ramsdale has the mentality to rise to tough moments.
Defence is also an area where adjustments are likely. Dan Burn is suspended, which naturally increases the chances of Lewis Hall stepping into the starting lineup. Hall has already shown flashes of promise and offers more energy and technical quality down the flank.
There is also growing belief that Fabian Schär could return to the starting XI. His ability on the ball and his experience in organising the defence make him a strong candidate for a game of this magnitude.
With Haaland on the pitch, Newcastle will need every ounce of defensive discipline they can find, and a shift to a back three would not be surprising. Howe has experimented with such systems before, and it may help provide extra bodies to deal with City’s pressure.
The game carries huge significance, not only because of the opponent but because Newcastle need to rediscover their confidence. Results have not reflected the squad’s potential, and fans are desperate to see a spirited response at St James’ Park.
A strong performance tonight could lift the mood dramatically and build momentum heading into a crucial Champions League clash with Marseille on Tuesday.
There is no denying that City pose a frightening challenge, but Newcastle have proven many times under Howe that they can rise to big occasions, especially under the lights at home.
The atmosphere will be raw and electric, pushing the team forward as they try to correct the mistakes of recent weeks. Whether through bold changes, tactical shifts or a simple injection of energy, Howe is expected to refresh his side and show that Newcastle are ready to fight again.
Tonight’s match might not define the season, but it could spark the turning point everyone has been waiting for. Newcastle need belief, bravery and discipline, and with Alan Shearer calling for changes and urging patience, the message is clear: this is a test of character as much as quality.
