Newcastle United are in action against Leeds United at St. James’ Park tonight in the Premier League.
Steve Bruce is attempting to get the Magpies out of a rut that has lasted a very concerning 10 games across all competitions.
Newcastle are hurtling towards the relegation zone, and it seems a scrap at the end of the season is likely.
Tonight’s game with Leeds comes just weeks after the Whites thumped Newcastle 5-2 at Elland Road.
But Marcelo Bielsa’s side are not in a particularly good moment themselves, so there is potential for Newcastle to pick up maximum points.
Bruce has named his starting XI for tonight’s clash, and it features Karl Darlow in goal with a back five of Jacob Murphy, Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar, Isaac Hayden and Jamal Lewis.
In midfield, Jonjo Shelvey partners Jeff Hendrick, with support out wide coming from Ryan Fraser and Miguel Almiron.
Up top Callum Wilson leads the line with Andy Carroll dropping to the bench.
It seems that the formation will prompt Newcastle to try and defend against Leeds and the many men they will commit forward and hope to hit them on the break.
On social media, Newcastle fans have been reacting to the XI Bruce has selected, and it’s fair to say some are fuming to see a back five again, and Shelvey and Hendrick as a midfield pairing with Hayden in defence:
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