Steve Bruce will be forced into two changes when Newcatle face Watford.
The Magpies will be without Joe Willock and Jamaal Lascelles for the trip to Vicarage Road.
It’s a huge blow for Newcastle, who will be desperate to pick up their first win of the season.
Will it come against Watford, and who will Bruce pick in his starting XI?
Back four, Fernandez to replace Lascelles
We ended the game against Leeds with a back four, and the Magpies should start with that versus Watford. Isaac Hayden isn’t a defender, and should return to midfield.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
Newcastle will have to make one personnel change at the back with Lascelles ruled out.
It’s a toss up between Federico Fernandez and Fabian Schar, and we expect the former to come in. Schar often struggles in a back four, which is why the Argentinian gets the nod.
Bruce to play it safe with Hendrick
It won’t excite Toon fans, but don’t be surprised if Bruce replaces Willock with Jeff Hendrick.
With Newcastle playing away, Bruce may go with the safe option and give the ROI international his first Premier League start since March.
It would allow Sean Longstaff to play further forward, but it’s a decision that won’t go down well with the Toon Army. In an ideal world, Willock’s injury will open the door for either Ryan Fraser or Jacob Murphy.
Can Saint-Maximin continue his rich vein of form?
Allan Saint-Maximin was sensational against Leeds last week. Unsurprisingly, he’s been our best player this season.
The Frenchman will likely play up front on his own once again, but he proved against Leeds that he can still thrive in that role.
He’ll be flanked by Miguel Almiron and Joelinton, with the latter playing very well last time out. Bruce even suggested it was his best game for the Magpies.
Predicted starting XI: Darlow; Manquillo, Fernandez, Clark, Ritchie; Hayden, Longstaff, Hendrick; Almiron, Saint-Maximin, Joelinton