Newcastle United are set to make a late call on Matt Targett ahead of this weekend's clash with Manchester City. The injury to the Magpies left-back meant Eddie Howe had to reshuffle the pack last time out with Dan Burn playing in an unorthodox role.
The Toon head coach stuck to his 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation down at the Amex Stadium with Burn coping well at left-back and Sven Botman s tarting in the heart of defence. The Dutch youth international had been expected to be eased into the starting XI after his big money move from Lille earlier this summer.
It was a solid display on the south coast, however, the upcoming game against Pep Guardiola's side presents a different problem all together. The reigning Premier League champions have a 100% record and like Newcastle, are yet to concede.
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You would expect Targett to return to the starting XI if he's deemed fit enough, leaving Howe with a decision to make at centre-half. The partnership of Fabian Schar and Burn have been a mainstay in the heart of defence since the January transfer window and played a big part in Newcastle's upturn in form.
The Magpies duo have carried that form on into this season. According to TheOther14, an account that looks at statistics from clubs outside of the top-6, Schar and Burn were among the top performers in game week two.
The Swiss international completed nine defensive actions against Brighton - on block and eight clearances - while Burn blocked one shot and made six clearances from left-back. There's no denying that Botman has quality, but Howe may decide to take him out of the firing line against Manchester City this weekend.
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