Newcastle United take on one of their former manager’s this weekend, as the Magpies head to Elland Road to face Sam Allardyce’s Leeds United.
This is a huge game, with both Newcastle and Leeds challenging at opposite ends of the Premier League table. The Magpies are looking to qualify for the Champions League, while Allardyce is aiming to keep Leeds away from the Championship.
There is so much on the line in Saturday’s early kickoff, and both sides head into the game on the back of a defeat. Leeds were beaten by Manchester City last time out, while Newcastle lost to Arsenal.
Eddie Howe will be keen for his side to bounce back, and this is our predicted Newcastle lineup to face Leeds
Joelinton fit to start against Leeds
The big concern coming out of the Arsenal game was the fitness of Joelinton. He was limping after the match, casting doubt over whether or not he would be fit to face Leeds.
However, the 26-year-old has been spotted in training, which means he should be good to go at Elland Road. That is a big boost for Eddie Howe, with questions marks still surrounding the fitness of Sean Longstaff.
He is a doubt for Saturday’s game, but reportedly does have a chance of featuring. However, we expect Howe to continue with a midfield trio of Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock.
Miguel Almiron returns to Newcastle’s starting lineup
Jacob Murphy has enjoyed an extended run in the Newcastle starting lineup, but it could come to an end this weekend.
Miguel Almiron has been the Magpies’ resident right winger this season, and we anticipate that the 29-year-old will reclaim his place in the side this weekend.
While Murphy has done well, this is a chance for Howe to freshen up his side, and it was clear that the front three against Arsenal did not function as well as it normally does.
Howe makes major striker decision
The other big selection dilemma that Howe has ahead of Leeds is who starts up front. He went with Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson against Arsenal, with the former playing on the left of attack.
That decision did not really pay off, so we expect Newcastle to go back to using one or the other.
And while Wilson is the Magpies’ top scorer, we are hoping that it is Isak who gets the nod. That would mean Wilson would return to the bench, where he has forged the role as ‘super sub’ in recent weeks – even if it is a title that he does not like.
The £20million man dropping to the bench will create a vacancy in attack, which could go to Anthony Gordon. Allan Saint-Maximin is also a contender, but it is unlikely that he is fit enough to start after his recent injury.
Predicted XI vs Leeds: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Willock, Bruno, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Gordon.
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