The 2021/22 Premier League season is barely a month old but tension and relegation fears are already building on Tyneside.
Having signed just one senior player in the summer – Joe Willock from Arsenal – the mood around St James’s Park has been worsened by the club’s poor start on the pitch.
Steve Bruce’s side have claimed just one point from their opening four games, leaving them 19th in the table. That’s not forgetting the Carabao Cup exit either – falling at the first hurdle to Burnley.
Friday’s meeting with Leeds at St James’s is a massive game as both sides look to kickstart their respective seasons.
As ever, Bruce will have some big team selection calls to make – and here we predict the starting XI he will name for the visit of Marcelo Bielsa’s Whites.
A message from the Football Clubs Editor
Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Newcastle United coverage 365 days a year.
This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription; sign up here.
Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor
5. CB: Ciaran Clark
Paul Dummett wasn’t even on the bench for Saturday’s defeat, which may suggest he’s had an injury setback. If so, Clark could retain his place. Photo: Ian MacNicol
6. LWB: Matt Ritchie
Ritchie has played every minute of Newcastle’s Premier League season so far as Jamal Lewis awaits his opportunity. Photo: Michael Regan
7. CM: Joe Willock
Willock left the Old Trafford pitch with a knock but there is hope United’s only summer signing will recover in time for Leeds. Photo: Clive Brunskill
8. CM: Sean Longstaff
Longstaff has started United’s last three Premier League games as Jonjo Shelvey recovers from a calf injury. Photo: Clive Brunskill