Newcastle United will have the chance to reclaim the top spot in the Championship when they host Burton Albion later tonight. Brighton & Hove Albion claimed the top spot yesterday night after surpassing the Magpies with a 3-1 win over Birmingham City. However, the Toons have a game in hand and a win against Burton Albion will see them leapfrog Brighton & Hove Albion to the top spot.
The top spot has been changing hands between Newcastle United and Brighton throughout the season. Burton will come to the game following their shock win over potential playoff contenders Huddersfield Town and will try to emulate the same form. It shouldn’t be a problem for Rafa Benitez’s side who have maintained their form since their drop to the Championship. However, it won’t be a walk in the park as the last time they met in December, Newcastle had to fight hard to scalp three points.
Both the sides are expected to field a strong starting lineup in a move to seal three points.
Team News And Predicted Lineups
Newcastle United
Ciaran Clark and side back DeAndre Yedlin have been ruled out due to injuries. Striker Daryl Murphy has started training and might get into the reserve bench. Ayoze Perez might get a start as Benitez will be looking to get his best starting lineup on the pitch.
Darlow; Dummett, Hanley, Lascelles, Anita; Gouffran, Shelvey, Colback, Shelvey; Perez, Gayle
Burton Albion
Nigel Clough will try to be a bit defensive and has a severe headache when it comes to choosing his starting lineup. Lucas Akins has picked up a knock in training and will be facing a late fitness test ahead of the match. Tom Flanagan, John Brayford and Kyle McFadzean got injured in the last match and will be missing from this fixture.
McLaughlin; McCrory, Turner, Mousinho, Shaun Barker, Naylor; Kightly, Christensen; Murphy, Woodrow, Sodrell
Key Players
Newcastle United
Dwight Gayle
Newcastle’s fate is depending on how this player performs. Burton will be trying to make it hard as they will deploy a five-man defence to thwart their attack. Gayle has the potential to find spaces between the defence and will use all his resources to get past a stringent Burton defence.
Burton Albion
Jackson Irvine
Irvine is the most attack minded player in the Burton ranks and the Magpies defence needs to track him down from making his runs into the attacking third.
