Newcastle United’s starting line-up to face Leicester City has been confirmed. Eddie Howe’s side return to Premier League action at the King Power Stadium this Boxing Day (3pm kick-off).
It’s the first Premier League match since November 12 following the FIFA World Cup break. The Magpies currently sit third in the table heading into today’s match while Leicester are 13th following a decent run of form before the break.
Prior to the match, Newcastle were hit with a blow that Callum Wilson would be unavailable for the match due to a suspected illness. As a result, Howe has named the same starting line-up that faced Chelsea in their previous league match over six weeks ago.
Elliot Anderson returned to the matchday squad for the first time since the trip to Saudi Arabia after shaking off a knock but Jonjo Shelvey has been sidelined once again with a calf issue and could miss the next six to eight weeks.
NUFC XI to face Leicester: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Guimaraes, Longstaff, Willock; Joelinton, Almiron, WoodSubs: Darlow, Lascelles, Saint-Maximin, Ritchie, Targett, Manquillo, Fraser, Murphy, Anderson
Prior to the match, Newcastle were hit with a blow that Callum Wilson would be unavailable for the match due to a suspected illness. As a result, Howe has named the same starting line-up that faced Chelsea in their previous league match over six weeks ago.
5. Emil Krafth - knee
Emil Krafth is out with a long-term knee injury. The right-back ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in a Carabao Cup win at Tranmere back in August. Photo: Getty
7. Loris Karius - tactical
Martin Dubravka is the preferred option on the bench. Photo: Ian MacNicol
8. Mark Gillespie - tactical
Newcastle’s third choice goalkeeper is back in the 25 man squad following Karl Darlow’s loan to Hull City. Photo: Gualter Fatia