Newcastle United's Slovakian goalkeeper Martin Dubravka saves a shot from Arsenal's Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka during the English FA Cup third round football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium in London on January 9, 2021. - Arsenal won the game 2-0 aet.Newcastle United's Slovakian goalkeeper Martin Dubravka saves a shot from Arsenal's Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka during the English FA Cup third round football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium in London on January 9, 2021. - Arsenal won the game 2-0 aet.
Newcastle United's Slovakian goalkeeper Martin Dubravka saves a shot from Arsenal's Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka during the English FA Cup third round football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium in London on January 9, 2021. - Arsenal won the game 2-0 aet.

Liam Kennedy's Newcastle United XI for the visit of Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds United – with FIVE huge selection decisions

Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is meant to be definition of insanity.
By Liam Kennedy
Published 26th Jan 2021, 08:00 BST

Steve Bruce is definitely one for change at Newcastle United, unfortunately the result more often that not remains the same.

Leeds United head to St James’s Park this evening with the Magpies in a run of no win in ten in all competitions, and no win in the Premier League in eight. Goals, too, have proven very hard to come by with United registering just one goal in open play since the last time these two met at Elland Road on December 16.

Injury and illness remains an issue on Tyneside, but who can Bruce call upon to kick-start Newcastle United’s 2021 into life? Our Magpies writer Liam Kennedy takes a look at the team he would pick this evening – and he’s made FIVE huge selection decisions, as well as switching the formation back to 4-4-2.

For me, the time has come. Newcastle United find themselves in a relegation battle and you need your best players in every position out on the park. The Slovak is the best keeper on United's books and has to play. Harsh, I know, but true.

1. Martin Dubravka

For me, the time has come. Newcastle United find themselves in a relegation battle and you need your best players in every position out on the park. The Slovak is the best keeper on United's books and has to play. Harsh, I know, but true. Photo: GLYN KIRK

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With doubts about Javier Manquillo and DeAndre Yedlin's visa status unknown, I'd select Murphy every day of the week ahead of Emil Krafth. It's not even a close call between the two.

2. Jacob Murphy

With doubts about Javier Manquillo and DeAndre Yedlin's visa status unknown, I'd select Murphy every day of the week ahead of Emil Krafth. It's not even a close call between the two. Photo: CATHERINE IVILL

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The skipper is fit and starts in the centre of defence, without fail. It's not like United have a whole lot of options in that department anyway.

3. Jamaal Lascelles

The skipper is fit and starts in the centre of defence, without fail. It's not like United have a whole lot of options in that department anyway. Photo: MIKE EGERTON

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An error in the last game and would not be in the team were Ciaran Clark or Fede Fernandez fit. But short on numbers, it has to be the Swiss in the backline to allow Isaac Hayden a run further forward.

4. Fabian Schar

An error in the last game and would not be in the team were Ciaran Clark or Fede Fernandez fit. But short on numbers, it has to be the Swiss in the backline to allow Isaac Hayden a run further forward. Photo: Clive Brunskill

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Related topics:Liam KennedyLeeds UnitedMarcelo BielsaSteve Bruce