Newcastle United will be facing another top-five side in the EFL Championship on Tuesday night as they take on Reading at the Madejski Stadium.
The Magpies went up against second-placed Brighton & Hove Albion and third-placed Huddersfield Town in the last week and notched up two very crucial wins. And manager Rafael Benitez will be hoping for a similar outcome against another contender for the promotion at the end of the season. Newcastle thrashed the Royals 4-1 last time the two sides met back in August last year and a similar result on Tuesday will further establish the Toons’ credentials for the title.
Not many injury worries for Benitez, with his star man Dwight Gayle fit and scoring in the last game. However, Isaac Hayden remains unavailable once again. Here is how we expect Newcastle to line up against Reading on Tuesday:
Predicted Newcastle United Line-Up
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Karl Darlow (GK)
Has been immovable at the back for Newcastle. Will take his rightful place in between the sticks for Tuesday’s fixture.
De-Andre Yedlin (RB)
Sat out the weekend encounter as Vurnon Anita was preferred in his place. But with the Dutchman recovering from an injury recently, Benitez would not like to risk him with two games in three days. As a result, Yedlin might start.
Jamaal Lascelles (CB)
Had a strong outing over the weekend against Huddersfield. Undisputed starter at the heart of the defence for Newcastle.
Ciaran Clark (CB)
And the captain will be partnered by Clark at the back. The Irishman has struck up a good partnership with Lascelles and he would love to keep it going on Tuesday.
Paul Dummett (LB)
An ever-present for the Magpies this season, Paul Dummett will complete the backline for Benitez for the clash against Reading.
Jonjo Shelvey (CM)
Has been excellent throughout the course of the season for Newcastle. Has been their driving force from the midfield and should start on Tuesday without a doubt.
Jack Colback (CM)
Did not have the best of the games against Huddersfield. But with Isaac Hayden still recuperating, Benitez will have to use Colback alongside Shelvey.
Matt Ritchie (RW)
Was excellent over the weekend against the Terriers. He will look to put a similar performance at the Madejski Stadium as well.
Ayoze Perez (CAM)
Mohamed Diame has struggled in the past two games which should see Ayoze Perez come in for the game against Reading.
Yoan Gouffran (LW)
Has been left out in favour of Christian Atsu in recent weeks. However, we expect him to return for the encounter on Tuesday night.
Dwight Gayle (ST)
Returned from injury against Huddersfield and scored his 21st goal of the season coming on from the bench. Should lead the line for Newcastle from the get-go ahead of Daryl Murphy and Aleksandar Mitrovic.