After the high of last weekend, when they defeated Tottenham Hotspur in the league, Newcastle United were brought back to earth after losing on penalties in the second round of the League Cup against Leicester City. The match between the two Premier League sides ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, and the Foxes won 4-2 on penalties.
Steve Bruce, who made 7 changes to his team from the weekend, will now turn his attention back to the Premier League as they face Watford on Saturday.
PREDICTED NEWCASTLE LINEUP vs WATFORD (5-3-2)
Goalkeeper
Newcastle United’s No. 1 goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was on the bench for the League Cup game with Karl Darlow taking his place. But, the experienced Slovakian goalkeeper will return for Saturday’s game in the Newcastle lineup.
Defence
There were quite a few changes at the back for Newcastle United against Leicester. Captain Jamaal Lascelles was on the bench, replaced by Federico Fernández, while Ciaran Clark played in place of Paul Dummett, and Jetro Willems played at left full-back.
Lascelles will most likely return to the Newcastle lineup despite having picked up a knock, but Willems may have to sit out the game as he has a hamstring injury which he suffered in the Leicester game, while first-choice left wing-back Matt Ritchie also suffered a nasty injury.
These injuries could force Bruce to move Dummett to left wing-back, and play Fernández alongside Lascelles and Schär, while Krafth will continue at right wing-back in the Newcastle lineup.
Midfield
Sean Longstaff could return to the team against Watford, after sitting out the game against Leicester; his younger brother Matthew played against the Foxes in his place. The older Longstaff will partner Isaac Hayden in midfield, while Matt Ritchie’s injury could force Steve Bruce to play three central midfielders with the inclusion of Jonjo Shelvey in the team as a creative force.
Christian Atsu played half a game against Leicester when he replaced Ritchie just before half-time and could be on the bench.
Attack
Miguel Almiron and Joelinton missed the game against Leicester but Bruce has revealed that both of them will return for the Watford game after they suffered slight niggles. They will start the game up front for the Magpies while the record signing Brazilian will look to build on his last weekend heroics.
