Newcastle United will play hosts to Manchester United at St. James’ Park on Saturday night hoping to win and build on their solid start to this Premier League campaign. The Magpies picked up a comfortable 3-1 victory over Burnley in their last league fixture before the international break which will keep them in high spirits heading into this showdown at Tyneside.
Steve Bruce will set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and is sweating on the fitness of a number of his first-team stars ahead of Man United’s visit this weekend.
4-2-3-1 Newcastle United Predicted Lineup To Face Manchester United
Defence
Karl Darlow will operate in between the sticks for the Tyneside outfit as he looks to put on a good showing this weekend. Jamaal Lascelles is a slight doubt but could come back into the side if he is passed fit to play alongside Federico Fernandez at the heart of Bruce’s defence. The defensive duo will have figure out a way to stop Man United’s Marcus Rashford from scoring during the game.
Javier Manquillo could fill in at right-back while Jamal Lewis will have to pass a late fitness test to assume his duties on the other side as the left-back. Both Newcastle full-backs will need to maintain a solid defensive shape if they are to cut off the supply lines for the opposition to find the back of the net.
Midfield
Isaac Hayden will anchor the midfield along with Jonjo Shelvey as they focus on making life difficult for the Red Devils at the centre of the park. Allan Saint-Maximin is a significant worry ahead of this game and will be in a race against time to feature as the left-winger. Jeff Hendrick will be expected to produce another energetic shift down the right flank.
Ryan Fraser and Sean Longstaff will make up the numbers on the Magpies bench as they await their shot to come on as the impact substitutes in the second half if needed.
Attack
Joelinton could get the license to partner the in-form Callum Wilson up top. Both strikers will try to work hard in stretching the Man United defence and has to find a way to get some shots in on-target when the ball is fed to them on the break.
Andy Carroll will have to settle for a place on the bench but could shine as a second-half substitute if Bruce calls upon his services.
