Newcastle United will host Cardiff City at St. James’ Park on Saturday in their next Premier League game, and will hope to keep up their winning run.
The Magpies beat Blackburn Rovers 4-2 on Tuesday in the third round of the FA Cup, and will be optimistic of a strong performance in the upcoming league fixture.
Rafa Benitez’s side are currently 18th in the standings with 18 points after 22 games, and will look to get out of the relegation zone.
The list of possible absentees is a long one for Benitez. Ciaran Clark and Jamaal Lascelles picked up knocks in the FA Cup fixture and are doubtful.
Ki Sung-yueng and Yoshinori Muto are still away with their respective national sides in the Asian Cup, while Paul Dummett is out with a hamstring injury.
Mohamed Diame and Jonjo Shelvey are nursing ankle and hip injuries respectively, and are unlikely to feature against Neil Warnock’s troops.
Defence
Martin Dubravka is expected to start in goal as usual for the Magpies. The custodian will be aiming to get a clean sheet this time.
Fabian Schar, Federico Fernandez and Florian Lejeune might start in the central defence. All the three centre-halves are strong and comfortable in playing the ball out from the back, and will look to keep things tight in defence.
Matt Ritchie is likely to operate as the left wing-back, while DeAndre Yedlin could get the nod to start on the right.
Newcastle United will rely heavily on the pace and agility of Yedlin down the right. The 25-year-old has the ability to stretch defences and the Magpies need him to be more involved during the transition play.
Midfield
Sean Longstaff will be hoping to start in the central midfield against Cardiff City alongside Isaac Hayden, and the outcome of the game might rely on how the duo perform together.
Christian Atsu has been one of the liveliest players for the Toon this season, and he should keep his place on the left wing. Jacob Murphy could start on the right.
Attack
Salomon Rondon is likely to play up top. He has scored five goals in 16 Premier League appearances so far this season, and he has to make his presence felt up front.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
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