Guardiola has just named three players who will play against Newcastle on Wednesday night
Newcastle United do not know what type of Manchester City team they will face on Wednesday night, but they now know at least three players who will feature at St James’ Park.
Guardiola has spoke to the media ahead of the Carabao Cup clash with Newcastle, where he intends to rotate his side.
You have to imagine that Eddie Howe will do the same. We have predicted that the Toon boss will make as many as nine changes for the game against last season’s treble winners.
However, one player who will not be involved is Harvey Barnes. He is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining an injury during Newcastle’s 8-0 win against Sheffield United on Sunday.
While Newcastle are going to be without one of their summer signings, Guardiola will welcome one of his new additions back into the Manchester City squad, as well as two England internationals.
Ahead of the game at St James’ Park, Guardiola spoke to the media and named three players who will feature during the Carabao Cup Third Round contest.
“Yeah, he [Kalvin Phillips] will start,” he said.
“Jack [Grealish] is much better, Mateo [Kovacic] as well. I don’t know how many minutes, from the start of second half, but they are going to get minutes.”
Senior Manchester City names set for Carabao Cup contest
Guardiola has previously stated that he would not ‘waste one per cent of energy’ on the Carabao Cup, but it sounds like some stars are certainly going to play at St James’ Park.
Jack Grealish has not played in the North East since his comments about Miguel Almiron last year, but is due to be involved. He has been out of action with a hamstring injury, but made his return at the weekend during Man City’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
As for Mateo Kovacic, who joined from Chelsea in the summer, he has missed their previous three games in all competitions, but looks set to make his comeback on Wednesday night.
There will also be a start for Kalvin Phillips, who was linked with a move to Newcastle United during the summer transfer window.
Eddie Howe wanted to add him to his midfield, but the 27-year-old opted to stay at the Etihad and fight for his place. That feels like it will be a mistake given the level of competition, but Wednesday will be a chance for him to prove that he deserves more minutes.