Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher are unsure if Newcastle United will bounce back against Leeds United on Saturday.
After Newcastle’s loss to Liverpool on Monday night, Eddie Howe and his players travel to Elland Road to face newly promoted Leeds United.
It is another tough fixture for Newcastle, with Leeds set to rely heavily on their home record in their battle to avoid relegation to the Championship.
On top of that, Howe will be forced into multiple changes to his starting XI. Anthony Gordon is suspended following his red card against Liverpool, while Joelinton and Sandro Tonali are injured.
There is also a question mark next to Fabian Schar after he was substituted on Monday with a concussion fear. While Schar insists he is fine, he is at risk of missing the game against Leeds.
Fabian Schar goes off with a head injury during Newcastle United's Premier League game against Liverpool.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Newcastle United predicted to draw against Leeds United
With all of that in mind, Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher are unsure if Newcastle will be able to beat Leeds on Saturday night.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Stick To Football podcast, Neville and Carragher have backed Leeds vs Newcastle to end in a draw.
Neville: “Joelinton got injured, Gordon can’t play, Tonali can’t play and then the kid [Schar] came off with concussion so he can’t play. Will Newcastle have a bit of a hangover?”
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Carragher: “With all you’ve said there, it’s tough to go there [Elland Road]. Bit of atmosphere. Could be a draw.”
Neville: “1-1.”
Golden opportunities for two Newcastle United summer signings
With suspension and injuries piling up, Howe is going to have to change his starting XI.
Fortunately for the Newcastle United manager, the club’s summer recruitment means he has plenty of depth to lean on.
In fact, two summer signings could be poised to start for the club for the first time since their arrivals. Jacob Ramsey will probably replace Joelinton in midfield, while Malick Thiaw could be deployed instead of Fabian Schar.
They were both impressive off the bench against Liverpool, and Toon fans will be keen to see what they are capable of as starters.
Will Osula could also start, with Newcastle seriously lacking options up front amid Gordon’s red card and Alexander Isak’s refusal to play. If Osula does get the nod, it will be his first Premier League start for the Magpies.