Eddie Howe will be forced to change his starting XI for today's game at Elland Road
Jacob Ramsey of Newcastle United
Jacob Ramsey could make his first start for Newcastle United at Leeds(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Image)
There may have been plenty of positivity despite Newcastle United's 3-2 defeat to Liverpool on Monday night, but the match left Eddie Howe with more headaches for tonight's match against Leeds United.
Already shorn of Alexander Isak's services after the Swede effecitvely refused to play for United while he presses for a transfer to Liverpool, Howe then saw stand-in striker Anthony Gordon sent off for a late challenge on Virgil van Dijk.
It means the England star will be suspended for the game at Leeds, and with Nick Woltemade's arrival from Stuttgart not completed in time for today's match, options are thin on the ground in the attacking positions for Newcastle.
Content Image
Content Image
He does, of course, have Will Osula ready and willing to make his first Premier League start for the club . . . and the timing of his goal against Liverpool on Monday night could not have been better.
The Denmark U21 international scored only his third goal in United colours against the Reds, and could well lead the line at Elland Road this afternoon, with youngster Sean Neave a contender for the bench.
Osula could spearhead an attack flanked by Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes, with both looking for their first goals of the season.
In midfield, Howe is sweating on the fitness of Sandro Tonali, with the Italian nursing a shoulder injury. The good news is that it's not thought to be serious, and he has a chance of playing today.
Lewis Miley would be the obvious replacement in the midfield holding role, with Jacob Ramsey set to edge out Joe Willock on the left-hand side of the three, with Joelinton ruled out through injury.
At the back, Howe has more positive problems, with Fabian Schar fit to play despite a blow to the head against Liverpool. That may mean Malick Thiaw has to wait for his first start after replacing the Swiss defender against the Reds, while Lewis Hall and Sven Botman may also have to bide their time after recovering from injuries.
There were some calls to change things inbetween the posts after the three goals conceded to Liverpool, with Aaron Ramsdale breathing down Nick Pope's neck.
However, it would be a big call from the United head coach, and the former Burnley man is likely to keep his place.
The bench will be strong defensively, but has few attacking options, although Jacob Murphy will be keen to get a chance after a limited role this season. Team news will land at 4.15pm today, and we'll have live coverage as always here on ChronicleLive.
Newcastle United predicted starting XI vs Leeds United: Pope, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento, Tonali, Guimaraes, Ramsey, Elanga, Barnes, Osula.
Substitutes: Ramsdale, Hall, Thiaw, Botman, Krafth, Miley, Willock, Murphy, Neave