1 minute Look, look! Newcastle line up from left to right before our eyes and Harvey Barnes blocks a shot within 25 seconds.

A reminder to the teams

Newcastle (4-3-3) Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; J. Murphy, Gordon, Barnes.
Substitutes: Dubravka, Krafth, Osula, Livramento, Almiron, Kelly, Willock, Longstaff, A Murphy.

Manchester City (4-2-3-1) Ederson; Walker, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; Lewis, Kovacic; Bernardo, Gundogan, Grealish; Haaland.
Substitutes: Ortega Moreno, Carson, Stones, Doku, Savinho, Nunes, Foden, McAtee.

referee Jarred Gillett.

“Good day, Rob.” writes Chris Paraskevas, our Australia-Newcastle correspondent. “I hope you're well. Firstly, I hope Darren Eales gets better. No popcorn and kale chips tonight: I've had an MSG/chilli sauce/french fry indulgence since about lunchtime, and a melted M&M McFlurry (with flake and caramel topping) is saved in the freezer.

“There's definitely something to do with winning points when you're playing poorly, but since fourth place some Newcastle stars have seemed more stressed than motivated. Oasis Breakup Reboot FC is the last team you want to join at a time when things aren't going well.

“Early on in the season, but still some red flags are emerging on and off the pitch…”

This story with Paul Mitchell and Eddie Howe sounds a bit strange. I'm not sure how this can end when everyone enjoys milk and cookies.

“I had a dream two nights in a row “Kyle Walker will have a nightmare game against Newcastle,” writes David Bronstein. “Visions of an own goal and/or a red card. You heard it here first.”

Have you been to the Funky Cheese again?

He's on the bench today. Cheers, Pep.

February 2, 2025, 4:30 p.m. (probably)

Team news

preamble