Eddie Howe has some major decisions to make ahead of Newcastle United’s game against Leicester City.
It is a must-win game for Newcastle United, on the back of that excruciating defeat away to Brentford.
Newcastle were shocking defensively against the Bees, and must improve on Saturday when they face Leicester City at St James’ Park.
While Callum Wilson is injured, Eddie Howe does have various other options to change his starting lineup.
With three changes predicted, this is the Newcastle United XI that Geordie Boot Boys expect to see against Leicester City.
One change to Newcastle defence
Kieran Trippier of Newcastle United (2) crosses the ball during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Newcastle United FC at Brentford ...
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Considering how poor Newcastle were defensively against Brentford, Eddie Howe will be considering how he can freshen up his back four.
The obvious choice is to start Kieran Trippier, who is back after illness. The £12million right-back has not started for Newcastle since the 0-0 draw with Everton, but could take Tino Livramento’s place against Leicester.
The rest of Newcastle’s defence should remain unchanged, with Fabian Schar, Dan Burn and Lewis Hall starting.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
Sven Botman will play for Newcastle’s reserves on Monday, as he edges closer towards a senior return.
Sandro Tonali starts after exit claim
During the week, it was claimed that Sandro Tonali is unhappy at Newcastle and wants to leave. That was followed by Tonali’s agent saying he is happy at Newcastle United.
🚨⚪️⚫️ EXCL — Sandro Tonali’s agent Giuseppe Riso: “Sandro is absolutely not considering to return in Serie A”.
“He’s happy at Newcastle, happy to play in the best league in the world and he’s an idol for #NUFC fans who’ve always supported Sandro in every moment”. pic.twitter.com/c00IG46Stf
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 11, 2024
View Tweet
It was a very small storm in a teacup, and should culminate in the 24-year-old returning to the starting XI on Saturday.
Tonali did not start against Brentford due to fatigue, but should reclaim his place as the Magpies’ deepest midfielder against the Foxes. Hopefully he has Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton either side of him, with Sean Longstaff dropping to the bench.
Joe Willock is an injury doubt, after missing the Brentford defeat with a hamstring problem.
Anthony Gordon replaces Harvey Barnes
Harvey Barnes played well and scored against Brentford, but feels likely to lose his place in the starting XI this weekend.
He could be dropped for Anthony Gordon, who may have to start playing up front again in the near future following news of Callum Wilson’s latest injury.
Gordon will join Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy in attack, with the latter hoping to build on the two assists he got at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Predicted XI vs Leicester: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Hall; Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
Related Posts