Newcastle United will travel to Steel City to face newly-promoted Sheffield United on Sunday, hoping to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League.
The Magpies ended their three-game losing run in the Premier League last weekend with a narrow 1-0 win over Brentford. They followed it up with a point against AC Milan at San Siro on their return to the Champions League in midweek.
Having shown signs of regaining some form after a rocky start to the season, Eddie Howe’s men will be overwhelming favourites against Sheffield United, who have picked up just one point from their opening five games.
Newcastle United Team News
Joelinton and Joe Willock are both still unavailable for Newcastle, Eddie Howe confirmed in his pre-match presser. Other than the midfield duo, Howe has a full squad to select a strong first XI against the Blades.
Predicted Newcastle United lineup vs Sheffield United (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Nick Pope had a great game against AC Milan in the Champions League, making some vital saves to help Newcastle pinch a point. This should give him a lot of confidence heading into Sunday’s game at Bramall Lane.
Defence
In front of Pope, Howe is expected to retain a stable backline that consists of Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman and Dan Burn. Schar and Botman will continue their formidable partnership in central defence, with Trippier and Burn providing width, energy and defensive nous from the full-back positions.
Jamal Lascelles, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall should provide defensive cover from the bench.
Midfield
Elliot Anderson will be pushing for a start against Sheffield United, having come off the bench at San Siro in midweek. He could replace Sean Longstaff and join Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali in the Magpies’ engine room.
Bruno, Tonali and Anderson have to be compact, disciplined and full of energy if they are to help Newcastle dictate terms against the Blades.
Attack
A few changes in attack are expected as well. Callum Wilson has three goals to his name already and put in an excellent display against Brentford last weekend. Having come off the bench at Milan, he should be fresh enough to lead the Newcastle attack on Sunday.
Harvey Barnes and Miguel Almiron came on as second-half substitutes in the Champions League, and the duo will be pushing for a start out wide. With their pace, creativity and tenacity, Barnes and Almiron will be responsible for creating opportunities in the box for Wilson.
Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy will look to make an impact off the bench when called upon by the manager.
