Newcastle United host Luton Town in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon (3pm kick-off) hoping to claim consecutive wins.
The Magpies beat Aston Villa 3-1 at Villa Park on Tuesday night but suffered a fresh injury blow with Alexander Isak forced off with a groin issue. Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall claimed Isak was in with a shout of being involved in this weekend's match along with the likes of Callum Wilson, Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock and Jamaal Lascelles.
But Wilson and Barnes are understood to be the closest two to a return and could be named on the bench this afternoon. Should Isak and Wilson not be deemed fit enough to start, Eddie Howe could be forced to play Anthony Gordon in a central striker role, as he did for the majority of the game at Villa Park.
Newcastle head into the game on the back of consecutive defeats at St James' Park for the first time under Howe. The Magpies were beaten 3-1 by Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day and 3-2 by Manchester City in their previous home match.
But back to back away wins against Fulham in the FA Cup and Aston Villa in the league heading into the Luton clash has restored confidence in Howe's side as the injury crisis starts to ease slightly.
5. LB: Dan Burn
Burn was very good against Moussa Diaby in the first-half and whilst he struggled for a period against Leon Bailey, Howe’s tactical shift gave Burn the cover he needed to help his side see out the game. | Getty Images
6. CM: Sean Longstaff
Longstaff was unfortunate not to score against Villa on Tuesday night. | Getty Images
7. CM: Bruno Guimaraes
Guimaraes continues to walk a disciplinary tightrope and will want to avoid a booking against Luton Town. He was tremendous in midweek and will be needed to dictate the play at St James’ Park on Saturday. | Getty Images
8. CM: Lewis Miley
Miley continues to impress and with no midfielders expected back too soon, will be asked to start once again on Saturday. | Getty Images