Newcastle United have a date with destiny as they prepare to face Leicester City on Monday night.
Eddie Howe‘s side need one more win to guarantee Champions League football, after securing an emphatic victory against Brighton on Thursday night.
It was special inside St James’ Park, and Monday should be an equally as exciting occasion.
It is a game with huge stakes, as Leicester are fighting for their lives to preserve their status as a Premier League club.
There is so much riding on this fixture, and this is our predicted Newcastle lineup to face the Foxes
Elliot Anderson replaces Joe Willock vs Leicester
There will be one change to the Newcastle team that beat Brighton, with Joe Willock set to miss out. He sustained a hamstring injury in the second half that appears to have ended his season early.
With Sean Longstaff also struggling for fitness, it should create an opportunity for Elliot Anderson.
The 20-year-old came on against Brighton and did well, and should now get the chance to start just his second ever game in the Premier League. Hopefully his second start goes better than his first, as that was ended prematurely.
Anderson got the nod to start against Liverpool in February, but was withdrawn early when Nick Pope was sent off, resulting in Newcastle needing to bring on a replacement goalkeeper.
It was a real shame for the Toon youngster, who hopefully does not suffer a similar misfortune against Leicester.
Joelinton fit to start for Newcastle
While Willock is definitely out of action, there are question marks surrounding Joelinton’s fitness.
He limped off against Brighton, with Howe unsure whether or not he will be fit for Monday’s game.
We anticipate that he will be good to go, with the Brazilian playing through the pain barrier to help Newcastle get that final victory they need to secure a top four finish.
Hopefully the Magpies can get the job done early, meaning Howe has the opportunity to give some of his fringe players a run out.
Allan Saint-Maximin will be desperate to play, and will fancy his chances of causing some damage up against Leicester’s leaky defence. Elsewhere, it would be great to see 17-year-old Lewis Miley make his senior debut for the club. He was on the bench against Brighton, and will likely be involved again on Monday.
Predicted XI to face Leicester: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Anderson, Bruno, Joelinton; Almiron, Wilson, Isak.
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