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.
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9. CM: Miguel Almiron
Almiron's central midfield role has been questioned in recent weeks but there were plenty of encouraging signs from the Paraguayan at Old Trafford. Photo: Clive Brunskill
10. ST: Allan Saint-Maximin
Newcastle, in Callum Wilson’s absence, need Saint-Maximin more than ever as he looks to build on his one goal and two assists this campaign. Photo: Laurence Griffiths
11. ST: Joelinton
The Brazilian got the nod at Old Trafford last Saturday and did well physically. There's nothing to suggest he’ll lose his place. Photo: Laurence Griffiths