Newcastle United will be back in Premier League action on Saturday when they travel to Kenilworth Road to face Luton Town.
The Magpies suffered a disappointing end to their Carabao Cup campaign on Tuesday evening when they were dumped out of the quarter-finals by Chelsea in penalty shootout. Reeling from a second knockout exit in the space of a week, having also seen their European journey ended by AC Milan, Eddie Howe’s men must now focus on the Premier League.
The Toon Army smashed 10-man Fulham 3-0 at St James’ Park last weekend and they will be keen to build on that performance away at Luton, whose clash with Bournemouth last week was called to a halt following Tom Lockyer’s stressful cardiac arrest.
Newcastle United Team News
Anthony Gordon was forced off in the second half against Chelsea on Tuesday following a nasty knock. So, the winger’s availability for the trip to Luton Town remains doubtful along with Emil Krafth, who had to come off at half time at Stamford Bridge with a cut to the shin.
Joelinton (thigh), Fabian Schar (glute) and Alexander Isak (fatigue) missed the Carabao Cup quarter-finals against Chelsea. Out of the trio, Isak may return to the squad for the upcoming Premier League game.
Predicted Newcastle United lineup vs Luton Town (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Martin Dubravka has started every game since Nick Pope suffered a shoulder injury in the 1-0 win over Manchester United earlier this month. The Slovakian is expected to start again in goal for Newcastle.
Defence
Sven Botman came off at half-time on Tuesday night in a pre-planned substitution on his long return from injury, which suggests he is set to start once again this weekend. The Dutchman will partner Jamaal Lascelles in central defence, with Fabian Schar a major injury doubt.
Kieran Trippier had a game to forget against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, with his mistake allowing the hosts to equalise at the death before missing the penalty in the shootout. So, the England international will be keen to redeem himself with a strong performance at right-back. Dan Burn is expected to get the nod at left-back after coming on as a substitute at half-time for the injured Krafth.
Midfield
When he is fit, Bruno Guimaraes is the first name on the team sheet for Eddie Howe. The Brazilian will operate from his natural No. 6 role, looking to dictate the tempo of play and drive Newcastle forward.
Lewis Miley and Sean Longstaff should join Bruno in the engine room and help the Magpies take control of the game against a physical Luton side as quickly as possible.
Attack
With Anthony Gordon a big doubt for the game, Alexander Isak could get stationed on the left flank. The Swede’s burst of pace, flair and direct running could create chaos for the Luton defence. Miguel Almiron has been one of Newcastle’s best players in the last few matches and deserves to start on the right wing.
Callum Wilson scored in the midweek Carabao Cup clash against Chelsea. The Englishman will be looking to get himself on the scoresheet again when Newcastle travel to Luton on Saturday.
