Eddie Howe would love to rotate his Newcastle United team against Manchester United on Saturday, but he might not be able to.
His Newcastle squad is extremely stretched going into this weekend, and it sounds like the ongoing injury crisis is not going to ease up for the Magpies just yet.
Howe’s side are preparing for game three of a very physically demanding few days, at a point in the season when Newcastle are playing twice a week until the end of 2023.
It is another big game too, with Man United heading to Tyneside. A packed St James’ Park underneath the floodlights on a Saturday night – it could be a perfect storm.
But with limited options to choose from, this is our predicted Newcastle United starting XI to face Manchester United on Saturday
Tino Livramento starts at left-back again vs Man United
If Eddie Howe does want to freshen things up against Man United, he could bring Lewis Hall into the side.
He was an unused substitute against PSG, while he was unable to feature versus Chelsea last weekend.
Hall has history against Man United as well, scoring his first Toon goal at Old Trafford earlier this season.
However, he will probably be on the bench again. Tino Livramento was so good at left-back on Tuesday night that the 21-year-old deserves to keep his place in the side – despite being out of position.
Matt Ritchie back on the Newcastle bench
While Howe has suggested that Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff will not be able to feature on Saturday, the Newcastle bench will at least get a little bit stronger.
That is because Matt Ritchie will return, having been unable to feature against PSG due to not being named in the Champions League squad.
But the ‘amazing‘ 34-year-old can feature in the Premier League, and will likely make another cameo off the bench. He will probably be our only senior attacking option in reserve, so looks certain to feature in some capacity.
No change in attack for Eddie Howe
Like the rest of the team, Eddie Howe’s front three will be unchanged against Manchester United.
That means a third consecutive start for Alexander Isak, who is back after his groin injury.
The 24-year-old got his ninth goal of the season on Tuesday, as he creeps closer to equalling last year’s tally of 10.
Isak will be joined by Miguel Almiron and Anthony Gordon in attack, with the likes of Jacob Murphy, Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes still out of action due to injury.
Predicted XI vs Man United: Pope; Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Livramento; Miley, Bruno, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Gordon.
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