Newcastle United will entertain Leeds United at St. James’ Park on Tuesday evening as they look to bounce back from their disappointing defeat away at Aston Villa in the Premier League. The Magpies are currently enduring a poor run of form, so this midweek game versus the Whites could be their ideal chance to return to winning ways in the league.
Steve Bruce will probably set his team up in a 4-4-2 formation and is expected to make a few changes to his starting XI for this game. Emil Krafth and Ciaran Clark could both get a start after they missed out versus the Villans last Saturday.
4-4-2 Newcastle United Predicted Lineup To Face Leeds United
Defence
Karl Darlow will resume his duties in goal for the Tyneside outfit after conceding two goals in his last league appearance. Ciaran Clark is a slight doubt for this game after he was ruled out on Saturday. If the 31-year-old can recover in time, he will feature alongside Jamaal Lascelles at the heart of Bruce’s defence as they look to restrict Leeds United’s Patrick Bamford from scoring throughout the 90 minutes.
Emil Krafth might get a start at right-back while Jamal Lewis looks to catch the eye on the other flank as the left-back. Both of them will have to figure out a way to get involved in the opposition half so that they can offer some much-needed support to the front players.
Javier Manquillo will be named on the Magpies bench but could come on to make an impact in the second half if required.
Midfield
Jonjo Shelvey and Matty Longstaff could anchor the midfield for Bruce as they focus on protecting their teammates at the back and orchestrating some promising chances in the attacking third. Matt Ritchie might function on the right-wing while Joelinton could get an opportunity to impress down the left flank as Bruce looks to freshen up his midfield in midweek.
The Newcastle boss would have the luxury of using the pacey duo of Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximum off the bench if the Magpies are in need of a goal later in the game.
Attack
Callum Wilson will once again resume his attacking partnership with Andy Carroll up top. Both of them need a goal to boost their confidence after a barren run in the final third over the past few weeks.
Dwight Gayle will be available for selection on the bench as he waits for his chance to shine as an impact substitute if required.
