Eddie Howe will be forced to make multiple changes to his Newcastle United starting XI against Leeds United on Saturday.
Newcastle’s loss to Liverpool on Monday night was hard to take. Not only did the Magpies concede in the 100th minute, they also lost multiple players to injury and suspension.
Anthony Gordon’s red card means that he will definitely miss the trip to Elland Road, as he serves the first of a three-game ban.
Newcastle have fitness problems too. Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Fabian Schar all came off against Liverpool and look set to miss this weekend’s game.
With up to four changes on the horizon, this is Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United XI to face Leeds.
Malick Thiaw arrives at St James' Park for Newcastle United vs Liverpool.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Fabian Schar replaced by Malick Thiaw against Leeds
Schar was forced off against Liverpool, with fears that he suffered a concussion. If that is the case, he definitely will not be able to play on Saturday.
That could open the door for Malick Thiaw to start for the first time. He was introduced off the bench on Monday night and showed some nice touches, after briefly making an error with his first involvement.
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That should be the only change in defence, with the Germany international likely to be joined by Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento.
New-look midfield for Newcastle United
It is in midfield where Newcastle have the most problems. While Joelinton and Tonali’s injuries are not major, they will likely keep them out of the game at Elland Road.
With two changes required, Eddie Howe will likely start Saturday’s game with the midfield trio that ended the defeat to Liverpool.
That means a first Toon start for Jacob Ramsey, who was lively as a substitute. It would also mean a first start of the season for Lewis Miley, who is expected to feature more regularly during the 2025/26 campaign.
They will join captain Bruno Guimaraes in the middle of the park. Bruno was outstanding against Liverpool, and will be eager to build on that performance.
Eddie Howe starts Will Osula up front
With Alexander Isak refusing to play and Gordon suspended, Howe has a major issue through the middle.
Will Osula could be the beneficiary, having scored just his second ever Premier League goal in the 3-2 loss to Liverpool.
It is a huge opportunity for the 22-year-old, who has never started a league game for the Magpies. Due to a lack of alternatives, that could change.
The other player who must be considered is Nick Woltemade, the man who is set to solve the Magpies’ striker problem. Newcastle are set to sign Woltemade for a club-record fee, and he could even be involved on Saturday.
If Newcastle can get him through his medical and registered before 12pm on Friday, he could make the bench. That would be a real boost.
Predicted XI vs Leeds: Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Livramento; Bruno, Miley, Ramsey; Elanga, Osula, Barnes.