Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali could return today
Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali could start today
Eddie Howe already has the Newcastle United blueprint for success - the question is whether he can field close enough to the same side for three games in a week.
The Magpies head coach is set to change his side again for today's visit of Leicester City, with two huge players ready to return to the team. Sandro Tonali was superb against Liverpool, particularly in the first half, and must be a shoo-in to reclaim his place in the midfield after being rested at Brentford.
Likewise Anthony Gordon is expected to return to the starting XI after his bench role at the Gtech Community Stadium. The dilemma with Gordon is over who occupies the other flank. Jacob Murphy did well against Liverpool and set up Alexander Isak's goal at Brentford, while Harvey Barnes got on the scoresheet and created several big chances last weekend.
For me, Barnes has earned a start against his old club, but I would start him on the right, allowing Gordon to occupy his favoured left-sided role, with Alexander Isak through the middle.
I really liked the way United's midfield operated against Liverpool, with Tonali the deep-lying pivot and Bruno Guimaraes given a bit more space to be a creative force. Newcastle will need the same energy levels to ensure Leicester don't frustrate them today, but a repeat show will set them up nicely for Wednesday's Carabao Cup clash with Brentford.
Nick Pope's knee injury is a concern. Howe has not ruled the keeper out, but it may be wise to get the issue sorted, which is why I think Martin Dubravka could start in goal today. Losing Pope is always a blow, but United have two able deputies in Dubravka and Odysseas Vlachodimos.
While it's tempting to add Kieran Trippier's experience the side, I feel it's important to stick with youngsters Tino Livramenton and Lewis Hall in the full-back roles. They may be more likely to make mistakes, but that is part of the steep learning curve and will only benefit from the experience.
Newcastle United predicted XI vs Leicester City: Dubravka, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall, Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton, Barnes, Gordon, Isak.
Subs: Vlachodimos, Trippier, Kelly, Miley, Osula, Murphy, Willock, Almiron, Longstaff