Newcastle United will take on Leeds United at Elland Road in a few hours, but who will Steve Bruce select in his lineup?
Newcastle United will be looking to claim their third consecutive victory under Steve Bruce for the first time when they go up against Leeds United at 18:00 (U.K.). The home side will be looking to stop the Magpies in their tracks in order to snap their two-game losing streak.
Leeds United are one of the most enjoyable teams to watch in the Premier League this season because of how many bodies they regularly launch forward.
As entertaining as that style of play is, it leaves them exposed in the back, which is why the Whites have the second-worst defensive record in the league with 22 goals conceded.
Both teams were in action over the weekend, so squad rotation will be expected, especially for Newcastle United due to the recent COVID outbreak. That being said, here is the lineup I believe Bruce will trust to stay competitive against Leeds United today.
Predicted Lineup
Formation: 4-2-3-1
No changes are expected between the sticks, but two changes will be made on the back-line. Emil Krafth will most likely make way for DeAndre Yedlin, who has the pace to cope with Leeds’ attack.
Isaac Hayden, who was phenomenal against West Brom, should be dropped for veteran Federico Fernandez to avoid out-of-position errors against a lethal team. Hayden also needs the rest after Saturday’s shift.
The duo in midfield will consist of playmaker Jonjo Shelvey and Jeff Hendrick. Sean Longstaff has been decent as a starter, but Bruce will eventually hand Hendrick another start and today is that day. The trio ahead of them will look different from last time out.
Jacob Murphy will lace up on the right wing after delivering the game-winning assist to Dwight Gayle on Saturday. On the opposite flank fans should expect to see Ryan Fraser return. Bruce said he is fully fit and has trained well, and that is a massive plus for the Toon.
In the middle as the number ten, Joelinton should be dropped to get some rest for upcoming games. Miguel Almiron is the natural replacement for him in that role, and he will be looking to get another goal. However, it would not be a major surprise to see Gayle get the nod there either.
Up top, the selection is quite obvious… Callum Wilson. Today’s open game should lead to some good looks at goal for the clinical finisher who is approaching double figures.
Recap
Darlow; Yedlin, Fernandez, Clark, Lewis; Hendrick, Shelvey; Murphy, Almiron, Fraser; Wilson.