Newcastle United: Predicting the lineup vs. Sheffield United

Newcastle United will return to Premier League action on Sunday, but who should start against Sheffield United?

Ladies and gentlemen, the wait is almost over. After a three-month break due to the global pandemic, the Premier League is back. While some games have already been played, Newcastle United will suit up on Sunday when they host Sheffield United at St. James’ Park.

Sheffield United were in action yesterday, so they have some match fitness under their belt already. The Blades have their sights set on Europe and they will come into Sunday’s clash with a winner’s mentality.

Newcastle United are currently eight points clear of the bottom three and only four points off the top ten. A win over Sheffield United would be massive for the Magpies, but who should Steve Bruce select in the lineup to get the job done?

This lineup is the most difficult to predict due to the players being off for three months. Fitness levels will vary across the board, and Bruce might not have his lineup set until Saturday evening. That being said, let’s start with the obvious selection. Martin Dubravka is fully recovered from his injury and he will set up shop between the sticks.

There is plenty of competition in defense, but Bruce will most likely stick with Danny Rose out wide to provide some veteran leadership. On the opposite end of the back line I can see Bruce giving the nod to Javier Manquillo for two reasons. Firstly, he is the best available option, and secondly, his contract is expiring. Bruce wants the Spaniard to stay and he will hope that more playing time will persuade him to sign a new contract when negotiations begin.

Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles are expected to be starters, but it would not surprise me to see Federico Fernandez playing alongside the skipper. Moving up the pitch, Jonjo Shelvey is a no-brainer in the middle of the park. Isaac Hayden is his best partner as he does the defensive dirty work, but Bruce is also a fan of loanee Nabil Bentaleb, who is looking to prove that he deserves a permanent deal.

As the Magpies’ most dynamic player, Allan Saint-Maximin will undoubtedly lace up on the wing, but opposite of him I can see Valentino Lazaro. The Austrian international is more comfortable in that role, and it also allows Miguel Almiron to play up the middle, which is something Bruce said he will make happen.

Last, but not least, fans should expect to see Joelinton up top. The Brazilian has struggled this season, but the ultra-defensive tactics that were implemented kept him isolated. With more support and improved tactics that promote more possession and attacking football, Joelinton should have a greater impact.

Formation and Lineup

Formation

4-2-3-1

Lineup

GK: Martin Dubravka

DEF: Danny Rose, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Javier Manquillo

MID: Valentino Lazaro, Isaac Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey, Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron

ATT: Joelinton