Leicester City fans will notice that one key player is missing from Newcastle United’s starting line up.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side face the Magpies this afternoon and ahead of the game, both teams released their starting line-up.
Van Nistelrooy has made three changes to his starting XI, with Hamza Choudhury and Oliver Skipp starting ahead of the injured Boubakary Soumare and injured Wilfred Ndidi.
Stephy Mavididi also comes into the side in place of Jordan Ayew, meaning that Facundo Buonanotte is surprisingly named as a sub.
Youngster Harvey Cartwright is on the bench after being singled out by Van Nistelrooy in midweek.
Eddie Howe’s team have also named their lineup, and one huge name from the line up.
Facundo Buonanotte of Leicester City arrives at St James' Park ahead of the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leicester City at St ...
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images
Newcastle team news: Nick Pope out as former Leicester star named on bench against boyhood club
The biggest exclusion from Newcastle’s side is Nick Pope.
MORE LEICESTER STORIES
There had been doubts about his availability in the build up to the game and although results of a scan midweek are yet to come back, the 32-year-old hasn’t been risked.
Martin Dubravaka has stepped up in his place and will be in-between the sticks for the hosts.
Meanwhile, former Leicester City star Harvey Barnes is named as a substitute at St James’ Park in what will be the first time he has faced his boyhood club since leaving in 2023.
Leicester City boss looking to continue impressive personal record against Newcastle
It may only be Van Nistelrooy’s third game in charge of the Foxes, but that doesn’t mean he has records of his own to break.
Leicester have one win and one draw from the Dutchman’s two games in charge and should they avoid defeat again today, Van Nistelrooy will extend his unbeaten record as a manager to 23 games.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, Manager of Leicester City, shows appreciation to the fans following the Premier League match between Leicester City FC and Bri...
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Dating back to his time as boss of PSV, Van Nistelrooy is yet to lose a game since 16 February 2023.
It’s a record that is welcome news for the Foxes as they look to continue their fight to avoid relegation.
Related Posts