Newcastle United garnered all three points against Huddersfield Town last weekend as they secured a 1-0 win over them at St. James’ Park. On Saturday, Rafael Benitez’s men are due to make a trip to the King Power Stadium to face Leicester City in their next league fixture.
Newcastle United Team News
Joselu is recovering from a knock and is doubtful for this weekend’s fixture. Rob Elliot and Jesus Gamez are also out of contention against the former Premier League champions. While Islam Slimani will not be eligible to play against his parent club, Mohamed Diame is expected to recover from the knock which he suffered last weekend.
Here is how we expect Benitez to roll out his starting XI against the Foxes.
Goalkeeper
Martin Dubravka is expected to be stationed under the bar yet again. The 29-year-old has collected 3 clean sheets in 5 league outings, making 1.60 saves per game on an average, and there is no denying that he has done quite a notable job between the sticks and has been a difference maker ever since coming in.
Defence
A four-man defensive wall is set to be rolled out by the former Napoli manager once again. Florian Lejeune and Jamaal Lascelles are expected to be pencilled at the heart of the back line for the Geordies. Claude Puel’s attackers are certainly a threat with their pace and clinical finishing abilities and the centre backs will have to be on the top of their game.
DeAndre Yedlin is likely to operate from the right-back once again. He has the required pace to gallop forward and create chances and his defensive abilities are quite decent as well. Meanwhile, Paul Dummett might take up the left-back role.
Midfield
Diame might not be rushed back in and thus, we expect Jonjo Shelvey to line up in the middle of the park alongside Isaac Hayden. They need to cushion the defensive line adequately and dictate the tempo of the game from the middle of the park.
Meanwhile, on the left-flank, Kenedy is expected to line up. The Chelsea loanee has been a good asset for the Toon and he must be aiming to make the most of his loan spell. Matt Ritchie is expected to start from the right-wing.
Attack
Ayoze Perez found the back of the net against the Terriers and he is expected to operate as the secondary striker once again this weekend. Up front, Dwight Gayle might start and he will look to get on the scoresheet.
