Eddie Howe makes £107m change to Newcastle United v Leeds United starting XI - predicted
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Newcastle United latest news: Eddie Howe’s predicted Newcastle United team as two changes expected to be made from Crystal Palace win.
Newcastle United return to St James’ Park tonight as they face Leeds United in the Premier League (8:15pm kick-off).
Eddie Howe’s side have won back-to-back league matches but face one of the division’s in-form sides this evening. Leeds are currently on a seven match unbeaten run following a 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Elland Road on Sunday.
The Magpies know that a win tonight is imperative if they want to keep pace with their main rivals for European football. However, they do not have a good recent home record against Leeds United and haven’t won a Premier League game against the Whites at St James’ Park in over two decades.
Their last two meetings on Tyneside have ended with the spoils being shared. The reverse fixture back in August, meanwhile, also ended in a goalless draw at Elland Road.
Here, we take a look at the starting XI that Howe could name for his side’s clash with Leeds United at St James’ Park. Do you agree with our picks? Follow us on our social media channels and let us know your thoughts there.
Newcastle United predicted XI v Leeds United
Nick Pope
Newcastle United kept their first clean sheet in any competition since November at the weekend and their first in the Premier League since the beginning of October. Pope wasn’t required to do much against Crystal Palace, but will undoubtedly be tested by Leeds tonight with Dominic Calvert-Lewin expected to spearhead their attack.
Lewis Miley
Whilst Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento are fit again, there is no need to move Miley away from right back. The teenager was brilliant again at the weekend and it is important for his development that Howe gets him into the starting XI by any means necessary, even if that is at the expense of Livramento and Trippier.
Fabian Schar
Howe finally has options at centre-back following the return of Sven Botman. However, Schar will be difficult to dislodge and he will be tasked with trying to keep back-to-back clean sheets tonight.
Malick Thiaw
Thiaw capped off a very good performance against the Eagles with a goal on Sunday. The German international has had one or two shaky moments, but has looked supreme throughout his time in a black-and-white shirt.
Lewis Hall
Newcastle United may want to manage Hall’s minutes and he may not play the full 90 tonight. But he should get the nod from Howe to start.
Bruno Guimaraes
Guimaraes stepped up when his team needed him the most on Sunday to register his seventh goal of the season. The Brazilian is integral to this team and will be vital if they want to record a third win on the spin tonight.
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Sandro Tonali
Tonali was much improved last time out and will want to continue that form tonight. Saturday’s FA Cup game could offer him the chance to rest after a gruelling schedule.
Joelinton
Joelinton was back to his best at the weekend and was the physical presence that the Magpies’ midfield has missed in recent weeks. He will want to build on that momentum tonight.
Harvey Barnes
Howe has few options on the wing following injuries to Jacob Murphy and Anthony Elanga. He revealed on Tuesday that Barnes enjoys playing on the right side of the front-three and it’s likely to be a role he is deployed in tonight.
Nick Woltemade
Yoane Wissa has started their last two outings, but is unlikely to be able to make it three in a row. Woltemade, who was spotted in the crowd at Elland Road during the reverse fixture back in August, will want to showcase his talents and prove why he deserves to reclaim that starting spot from Wissa.
Anthony Gordon
Whilst Gordon looked sharp and a threat on Sunday, he is still yet to register a goal from open play in the Premier League in almost 12 months. That, hopefully, will change tonight.