Newcastle United will have a true test of their two-game winning run today as they travel to Manchester United.
The Magpies have scored nine goals in their last two matches, brushing aside Fulham and Brentford on their way to climbing to sixth place.
However, they will have to contend with Erik ten Hag’s high-flying Red Devils, who have lost just one of their last five games in all competitions. They slipped past Everton and Omonia Nicosia in the last week with two underwhelming displays, so the Manchester outfit will demand more from what looks like being a far tougher encounter.
With a different calibre of opposition facing them and some returning faces, Eddie Howe has plenty of options as his squad slowly seems to be gaining in depth.
From last weekend’s blistering win over Brentford, we expect two positive changes.
With that in mind, here’s the Newcastle XI we’re anticipating for today’s clash…
Nick Pope will continue in goal, sitting behind a back four only slightly tweaked due to the strength of the opposition.
Kieran Trippier will continue at right-back, sitting beside Fabian Schar and Sven Botman at the heart of the defence. However, with the speed and increasing threat of Antony for the Manchester outfit, Dan Burn might drop out for Matt Targett.
The 30-year-old – who was dubbed a “leader” by Miles Starforth – has impressed at left-back, earning a superb 7.38 WhoScored rating in that position against Fulham recently. However, the former Aston Villa man might be better equipped to deal with the Brazilian, who has scored three goals in his first three Premier League games.
In what is a huge boost, Joelinton is expected to step back into the line-up having returned from injury. He will likely play alongside Joe Willock and the mercurial Bruno Guimaraes, who starred against Brentford last week with his fabulous brace.
Miguel Almiron has also been in blistering form recently and will surely continue alongside Jacob Murphy. Allan Saint-Maximin was poised to return, but was ruled out yesterday. The Frenchman has not started since his last-minute stunner rescued a point against Wolverhampton Wanderers in August.
He would have been a welcome inclusion for the travelling Toon Army, as he could have threaten either Luke Shaw or Tyrell Malacia at left-back for the home side at Old Trafford. Alas, it is Murphy who now looks set to face either of those Red Devils defenders.
Finally, Callum Wilson will continue to lead the line in the continued absence of Aleksander Isak.
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