Guardiola says Kalvin Phillips will start against Newcastle

The type of Manchester City team Newcastle United will face on Wednesday night is unknown, but they already know at least three of the players who will play at St. James’ Park.

In advance of the Carabao Cup match against Newcastle, where he plans to change up his lineup, Guardiola spoke to the media.

You have to assume Eddie Howe will act similarly. For the game against the triple champions from last season, we projected that the Toon manager would make up to nine changes.

Harvey Barnes, however, will not be taking part in the game. After suffering an injury during Newcastle’s 8-0 victory over Sheffield United on Sunday, he is expected to spend a significant amount of time on the sidelines.

Although Newcastle will

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.”

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.