Newcastle United return to Premier League action this weekend, having had a week-long break as they did not compete in the League Cup.
The Magpies play Leicester City this Sunday, the side that defeated them on penalties in the League Cup. Steve Bruce’s side are 17th in the Premier League table, just a point above the relegation zone.
Newcastle United – Early Team News
Andy Carroll is will have to wait to make his first start for the Magpies. Defensive duo Florian Lejeune and DeAndre Yedlin are also unavailable, while Matt Ritchie is also still recovering from his ankle injury.
Let’s take a look at the possible lineup that Bruce may put out for Newcastle’s game against Leicester:
Predicted Newcastle United Lineup vs Leicester City
Goalkeeper
Martin Dubravka will continue in goal for the Magpies on Sunday, having started all 6 Premier League games so far this season.
Defence
Fabian Schär, Jamaal Lascelles, and Paul Dummett have formed a good partnership in the Newcastle United backline, and the trio will most likely start at the back for the side. Lejeune, who has been out for a while due to injury, has returned to training, but may not be risked against Leicester City as he is not match-fit.
Javier Manquillo started at right wing-back last time around, but he may be replaced by Emil Krafth for the game against Leicester to add more defensive stability. Jetro Willems will start at left wing-back for the Magpies on Sunday.
Midfield
Sean Longstaff has only just returned to training after sustaining an ankle injury and missing the games against Liverpool and Brighton in the league.
Longstaff may not be match fit for the game against Leicester City which means that we will most likely see the duo of Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden continue in the heart of the park.
Christian Atsu could continue on the left side of the park as he has done so in the last three Premier League games.
Miguel Almiron has not been very effective for Newcastle this season, and there could be a possibility of Bruce giving him a break and dropping him for Allan Saint-Maximin.
Saint-Maximin returned from injury last week and came on in the match against Brighton.
Attack
Andy Carroll made a substitute appearance, but it is too soon for him to start a game as he has only now returned to first-team action after being out for months. Joelinton will continue in attack for the Magpies.
