Newcastle United will welcome Leeds United at St. James’ Park on Friday night as they look to earn a good result in the Premier League. The Magpies suffered a disappointing 4-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend which has heaped a lot of pressure on them going into this league game at home.
Steve Bruce will probably opt for a 3-5-2 formation and is sweating on the fitness of a number of his senior players. Ciaran Clark, Javier Manquillo and Joe Willock are all major doubts for this match but Bruce will have no choice but to play them if the first-team trio can pass a late fitness test.
3-5-2 Newcastle United Predicted Lineup To Face Leeds United
Defence
Karl Darlow could get a rare start in goal for the Magpies after Freddie Woodman conceded four goals against Man United last weekend. Bruce is expected to set up with a back three of Isaac Hayden, Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark, who is a slight concern ahead of this clash.
All three Newcastle centre-backs will have to keep a solid shape at the back if they are to stop Leeds United’s Patrick Bamford from finding the back of the net during the 90 minutes.
Midfield
Sean Longstaff will anchor the midfield for the Magpies while both Miguel Almiron and Joe Willock (if he can make himself available) fills in as the box-to-box midfielders. Matt Ritchie will have to carry most of the creative workload for his team down the left flank.
Javier Manquillo is another doubt for this game, but the Spaniard could get a chance to impress as the right wing-back if he can recover in time for this game. Jeff Hendrick and Jacob Murphy will be available for selection on Bruce’s bench as they offer cover for the midfield positions.
Attack
Joelinton could once again get the nod to lead the charge for the Tyneside outfit along with Allan Saint-Maximin up top. Callum Wilson won’t be fit for this game, so it would be up to both of them to share the goal-scoring burden when they lace up to face off against the Leeds centre-backs this Friday night.
Dwight Gayle will have to be content with a spot on the bench but could come on to influence the game in the latter stages if needed.
