Fresh from the win over Crystal Palace at the weekend, Newcastle United must go again on Wednesday night with Leeds United the visitors to St. James’ Park.
Newcastle are on a roll. A small one, albeit, but back-to-back wins are nothing to be sniffed at.
Now, Eddie Howe and his players really can generate some momentum if they can register another win against newly-promoted Leeds.
Where does Jonjo Shelvey’s free-kick at Leeds rank among your favourite goals of the PIF era?
We saw a much-improved display from the Magpies on Sunday, with Alan Shearer able to pick out four star performers from the 2-0 win over Palace.
However, there were still flaws on show and a few players were below par once again. So, what will Howe do to right those wrongs when Leeds come to town?
Here’s how we think he will line up.
How Newcastle United will line up against Leeds
Nick Pope
Howe spoke of Nick Pope putting together a good run after the Palace win, and it looks like the Newcastle number one is here to stay. There’s no way he’s getting dropped after a clean sheet on Sunday.
Lewis Miley
Lewis Miley was our man of the match against Crystal Palace. The youngster was excellent at right-back once again, and while Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier are back in contention, we reckon the teenager will get one more game here before stepping out of the starting XI.
Malick Thiaw
He bagged a goal against Palace and was a rock at the back. Malick Thiaw stunned Alan Shearer and earned plaudits across the game over the weekend. He’s now one of the first names on the team sheet.
Fabian Schar
Now that Sven Botman is ready to return, it looks like Fabian Schar’s days are numbered. Much like Miley, the veteran has done a good job filling in, and we think he will start here based solely on the fact Botman is lacking match sharpness. After that, he’s back to the bench.
Lewis Hall
This one is a no-brainer. When Lewis Hall is fit, he’s in the starting XI every time. He’s been in great form of late and we’ve not heard of any fresh injury issues so he will be playing on Wednesday night.
Bruno Guimaraes
Eddie Howe knows he can rely on Bruno Guimaraes to step up and be counted, more than any other Newcastle player. The captain was influential once again at the weekend and will relish leading his team out against Leeds. We wouldn’t bet against him grabbing another goal, either.
Jacob Ramsey
The first change we envisage this week is in the midfield. With Sandro Tonali struggling for form and fitness, and the games coming thick and fast in January, Howe will need to rotate. Bringing in Jacob Ramsey will offer Newcastle more attacking flair, which is just what they’ll need to break down a tough Leeds side.
Joelinton
Just a few weeks ago, it looked like Joelinton had hit a wall and would be sold in January. Now, he looks reborn after a couple of huge performances. He will add the bite to the midfield that is needed for what is sure to be an intense and physical battle.
Harvey Barnes
With Jacob Murphy and Anthony Elanga both injured, there’s no other option but to bring Harvey Barnes in on the right. To be fair, after his strong showing off the bench at the weekend, we’d have backed the winger to come into the line-up anyway.
Our predicted XI for Newcastle United vs Leeds United – what would you do different?
We think Eddie Howe will make three changes 🔄️
Nick Woltemade
Howe’s rotation will continue with Yoane Wissa dropping to the bench and Nick Woltemade starting the game. In many ways, it’s a change that makes sense, too. Leeds are highly physical and the big presence of Woltemade will disrupt their defence, while Wissa can come on later in the game and cause problems with his fresh legs.
Anthony Gordon
Were it not for injuries, Anthony Gordon would probably lose his place in the team right now. He looked slightly more lively on Sunday, but is still way off his best. Unfortunately, Howe has no other option but to play him and hope that he comes good.
Sign up to TalkingPoints for free to join the conversation about all things Newcastle United with Geordie Boot Boys!
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
