Manchester City have their focus set on the Premier League again and a big trip to Newcastle United on Saturday.
The Blues have less than fond memories of their last visit to St James’ Park after losing 1-0 to Eddie Howe’s side in an uninspiring Carabao Cup defeat. However, City are in much more buoyant mood and some of their biggest players are coming back to offer Pep Guardiola further options.
Three names supporters are itching to see come back into the starting XI are Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku. The trio have proven at different times how deadly they can be and a return in the North East will be a sight for sore eyes.
Haaland watched the FA Cup victory over Huddersfield Town from the stands but appeared in high spirits. The forward finds himself back in training but Guardiola said last week it will be touch and go as to whether or not he will be ready in time for the clash with the Magpies. He is unlikely to start but could be handed minutes off the bench.
Doku made a goalscoring return to the City squad on Sunday, bagging the Blues’ fifth against the Terriers. The winger came on at the same time as De Bruyne and while his injury was not as serious as the Belgian’s, Guardiola may be wary of throwing him straight into the starting XI just yet. He may again be called upon from the bench.