Rock-bottom Newcastle United begin a crucial week with a Premier League home game against fellow strugglers Norwich City on Tuesday.
The Magpies are still searching for their first win of the season and have picked up only six points in 13 games. Their 2-0 away loss to Arsenal last Saturday has left them six points adrift of safety.
Eddie Howe and co. know the value of Tuesday’s home against Norwich and will pull out all the stops to get all three points.
Newcastle United Team News
Jamaal Lascelles and Matt Ritchie are unavailable for this game after both of them picked up their fifth yellow card of the season during Newcastle’s 2-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Other than that, Eddie Howe has a fully-fit squad to pick from against the Canaries.
Predicted Newcastle United Lineup vs Norwich City (4-4-2)
Goalkeeper
Playing his first game of the season last weekend, Martin Dubravka made a couple of vital saves against Arsenal but couldn’t avoid defeat for Newcastle. Nonetheless, he seems to be Eddie Howe’s first-choice goalkeeper and should start against Norwich.
Defence
Jamaal Lascelles’ suspension means Ciaran Clark is likely to return to the Newcastle United lineup. Clark will partner Fabian Schar at the heart of the Newcastle backline, and the duo will look to keep Teemu Pukki and co. at bay come Tuesday.
Predicted Newcastle United Lineup vs Norwich City
At right-back, Emil Krafth looks set to continue. Meanwhile, Jamaal Lewis should replace the suspended Matt Ritchie at left-back, as the Northern Irishman looks to haunt his former club with a solid display in defence.
Midfield
Joe Willock has been underwhelming in a deeper midfield role under Howe, which could see him drop out of the Newcastle United lineup against Dean Smith’s side. Howe could look at Isaac Hayden for fresh legs in midfield, which got constantly overrun in the 2-0 defeat to Arsenal.
The pairing of Hayden and Shelvey in the middle of the park should give the Newcastle defenders more assurance and protection on Tuesday than they got all afternoon at the Emirates Stadium.
Attack
Ryan Fraser was poor against Arsenal and could make way for Miguel Almiron, whose pace and unpredictable movement could cause problems to the Norwich backline. On the left, Allan Saint-Maximin will be expected to stretch the opposition backline and create opportunities for the strikers.
Upfront, Callum Wilson and Joelinton are certain to start again. With their pace and power, Wilson and Joelinton together can make the Canaries sweat, as Howe’s men look to start the game at St James’ Park on the front foot.