United could stretch the gap to the bottom three with a win – and with pressure building this week due to off-field and training ground tensions, the Magpies could do with some positive on-field news.
But who starts in place of Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron? Here’s our writer Liam Kennedy’s NUFC XI.
9. Dwight Gayle
Goals. Pure and simple. He's the only one in the Newcastle squad who can, to an extent, guarantee them. They fear him a bit, too, given he scored earlier this season and played for them the campaign before last. Photo: Pool
10. Jacob Murphy
Not ideal obviously, but Almiron is irreplaceable. Murphy maybe has the energy and running to do that. Can drop wide and central when needed. Photo: RICHARD SELLERS
11. Ryan Fraser
An argument to be made that he should play central to replace Almiron, but I think he is best suited as a wide forward like Allan Saint-Maximin. Delivery is top class. Photo: STU FORSTER