After yet another defeat in the Premier League last weekend against Manchester United, Newcastle United welcome another struggling team — Leeds United — to St. James’ Park on Friday night.
The Magpies are 19th in the league having lost three of their four opening games and drawing the other. What will be worrying for manager Steve Bruce is that despite his defensive approach, his side has conceded 12 goals in the opening four games.
The Whites did the double over Newcastle last season, winning 5-2 at home and 2-1 away from home. Bruce knows they will need to pick up a win soon as the linger they go without it, the more nervous the players will be.
Team News
Steve Bruce will surely be without the services of goalkeeper Martin Dubravka and midfielder Jonjo Shelvey. Joe Willock and Ciaran Clark suffered knocks in the loss to Manchester United, but both of them are fit and should be available for Friday’s game.
Ryan Fraser too should be available for selection after recovering from his ankle injury. Defender Paul Dummett and striker Callum Wilson will face late fitness tests ahead of Friday’s game.
Let’s take a look at the possible Newcastle United side for the game against Leeds United:
Predicted Newcastle United Lineup vs Leeds United
Goalkeeper
Freddie Woodman had a terrible game against Manchester United and he could be replaced by Karl Darlow, who was on the bench last weekend after recovering from COVID-19.
Defence
Isaac Hayden, who played at the back against Manchester United, could be moved out of defence, with Fabian Schar replacing him. Schar should join captain Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark at the back.
Javier Manquillo scored a superb goal against Manchester United, but suffered a knock in the game. He should be fit and keep his position as the right wing-back, while Matt Ritchie should start on the opposite side.
Jamal Lewis, Emil Krafth and Jacob Murphy are options in the wing-back positions for manager Steve Bruce.
Midfield
Isaac Hayden should be restored to his natural central midfield position for Friday’s game. He will likely replace Sean Longstaff in the middle of the park and play alongside Joe Willock.
Jeff Hendrick will be an option off the bench for Bruce in midfield.
Attack
Bruce will be hopeful that his star striker Callum Wilson is fit, but if he’s not, we could see the same attacking trio of Joelinton, Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron for the Magpies.
Saint-Maximin could be given a free role, while Almiron and Joelinton could be asked to play out wide. Ryan Fraser could be an option off the bench for Bruce.
Predicted Newcastle United Lineup vs Leeds United
