City arrive at St. James' Park (kick-off 5:30pm GMT) looking to close the four-point gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal, while the Magpies are out to kick-start their campaign after defeats at West Ham and Brentford before the international break.

In recent weeks Howe has had to do without the services of winger Gordon, who has been absent with a hip problem since the Champions League victory over Athletic Club earlier this month, and defender Livramento, who has missed United's last nine matches with a knee injury.

But the head coach delivered some encouraging news on the England duo at his pre-match media briefing on Friday morning, indicating that both had trained and are nearing returns to action.

Here are some of the main talking points:

On Gordon's fitness...

"Anthony Gordon is very close. He's worked well during the break and he's touch and go for the game. We'll make a very late decision."

On Livramento...

"He's very close. He's trained in the international break which is great to see. He's such an important player for us and it's great to have him back training with the group.

"He's done a lot of work. He's been very, very good professionally with how he's dealt with the injury and the work he's done with the physios so I'd say he's in good shape."

On being back in league action after the break...

"Regardless of results you have something to prove in every game. You have, most importantly, yourself to consistently answer any questions you have about yourself and I want the players to respond this weekend.

"Everyone is hurt from those two away games we had in the Premier League. I'm keen to get the games going again."

On goalkeeper Nick Pope, who was substituted at Brentford with a head injury...

"Nick Pope has trained, and there's no problems there."

On being inducted into the Newcastle United Hall of Fame at Newcastle United Foundation's Celebration Dinner...

"The personal accolades I find difficult because it's never about me - it's always about the team. I'm very grateful for the staff and everything they give me. When the accolade was put on my radar I decided to accept it on behalf of everybody.

"It was a great night and the Foundation do some incredible work. I was very proud to be there."

On his side's upcoming run of fixtures...

"It goes right to the end of January, and I think this is going to be a really enjoyable spell. We've really enjoyed the Champions League challenge and then going back to the Premier League and that yo-yo effect we have to deal with better. "It's been a real challenge away from home and we have to navigate that better but I think we have to squad to cope with that, especially if we can get these last remaining players fit that have been close."

On Yoane Wissa's fitness...

"He's working well. He's not back training with us yet but he's close.

"He's working with the sports science team and almost entering a pre-season with them currently. He's done a lot of work, he's looked good and looked better with every session.

"He's close to training with us but before he gets to there it's difficult to give you a return date."