Newcastle United will lock horns with Sheffield United at St. James Park on Wednesday night, hoping to pick up a positive result on their home turf. The Magpies will be heading into the contest on the back of a 4-3 loss against Manchester City, so they’ll be eager to put up an encouraging performance against the Blades.
Steve Bruce will probably opt for the 5-3-2 formation; however, he might keep changes to a minimum for the upcoming home encounter.
5-3-2 Newcastle United Predicted Lineup To Face Sheffield United
Defence
Martin Dubravka will continue to operate in between the sticks for the hosts. The Slovak shot-stopper would hope to put up a strong performance and secure a clean sheet on Wednesday.
Steve Bruce is expected to field the defensive trio of Paul Dummett, Emil Krafth, and Federico Fernandez at the heart of Magpies’ backline. Their main objective would be to track and close down the potential openings the Sheffield front-men might create.
Jacob Murphy is a guaranteed starter at the right wing-back spot, whereas Matt Ritchie will fill in on the other flank as the left wing-back.
Midfield
Miguel Almiron and Jonjo Shelvey are expected to start in the central midfield positions.
Joe Willock will slot into the attacking midfield role. The Arsenal loanee will be expected to carry most of his side’s creative burdens.
Jeff Hendrick will have to settle for a place on the bench but could come on in the second half of the game if needed.
Attack
Allan Saint-Maximin and Joelinton will form the strike partnership for the Magpies upfront. The duo will be hoping to get their names on the scoresheet when they face off against the Sheffield United defence that has kept two clean sheets in their last five league matches.
