Newcastle United have secured their promotion to the Premier League after spending a single season in the Championship and will be facing Cardiff City in the hope to give a light to their hope of retaining the title. The Magpies need to ensure a win against the Wales-based club but provided Brighton & Hove Albion drop point against Bristol City so that the Magpies will have a realistic chance to win the Championship title.
They are also on the verge of another record if they can get the better of Cardiff. They are on their way to register 14 away wins and will break Kevin Keegan’s record of winning 13 away games which they recorded in 1993.
Predicted 4-4-1-1 Newcastle United Lineup Against Cardiff City
Defence
Karl Darlow will be back in the starting lineup replacing Rob Elliot in the goal. The 26-year-old will make his appearance in the last away match of the season.
We are expecting the same backline that conceded a goal in the last match. Ciaran Clark has had an impressive spell with the Magpies this season and will try to maintain his good form.
Jamaal Lascelles is carrying a niggle and may have to sit out in this match. Chancel Mbemba will fill his void in the Toons back line.
Vurnon Anita has played with injuries of late but he might be forced to sit out. In that case, DeAndre Yedlin will make his way into the starting lineup.
Paul Dummett will be on the left side of the defence.
Midfield
Rafa Benitez is expected to field a strong midfield against a weakened side like Cardiff City. Benitez has been using the energy and depth of Isaac Hayden to give the team a thrust in the midfield.
Whenever Jonjo Shelvey plays for the Magpies they play with sheer confidence. The midfielder has played a huge role in Newcastle’s promotion and would love to see his team finishing at the top of the table.
Attack
Yoan Gouffran made an appearance from the bench in the last match but is set to be given a place in the starting lineup and will take up the left side.
Matt Ritchie has been suspended for the remaining two games for allegedly abusing the fourth official during the Leeds United match. It means Christian Atsu will have another chance to revive his Newcastle United career.
Ayoze Perez will operate from a little bit behind from the main striker. He will interchange positions to give the Cardiff defenders a nightmare.
Aleksandar Mitrovic may be given another start as Dwight Gayle is yet to be fit.
