Predicted Newcastle Lineup To Face Sheffield Wednesday
Newcastle United will embark on a trip to the Hillsborough stadium this Saturday as they take on Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL Championship.
The Magpies, who sit on top of the Championship standings, come into the game on the back of a 1-0 win over Burton Albion in the midweek game on Wednesday night and will be hoping to further strengthen their hold on the title with three points against the Owls.
The two teams have met each other on two occasions this term; once in the Championship and once in the third round of the EFL Cup, and it is Sheffield who came out on top on both the occasions. Rafael Benitez will be hoping for a better outcome this time around.
Team News
Ciaran Clark may be set for a return after having missed out in recent weeks due to a foot problem. DeAndre Yedlin seems to be the only unavailability for Benitez ahead of a crucial game on Saturday.
Probable Newcastle United Playing XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Rafael Benitez
Karl Darlow (GK)
The 26-year old has been sensational for Newcastle and has conceded an average of just 0.84 goals this season. He will surely start between the sticks.
Vurnon Anita (RB)
The Dutchman has been in good touch in the past two games and with DeAndre Yedlin unavailable, he should keep his place in the line-up ahead of Jesus Gamez.
Jamaal Lascelles (CB)
The captain has become a defensive stalwart for the Magpies over the course of the season. Benitez will definitely stick with his trusted man for the crucial game.
Chancel Mbemba (CB)
Alongside Lascelles, we expect Chancel Mbemba to hold on to his place in the line-up. The 23-year old defender got a rare start against Burton on Wednesday and he impressed a great deal.
Paul Dummett (LB)
The Welsh international is a mainstay in the backline for Newcastle. Ever so consistent and reliable, Dummett is a definite starter.
Jonjo Shelvey (CM)
In the middle of the park, Jonjo Shelvey will keep his place and look to provide the creativity and the thrust for Newcastle when going forward.
Isaac Hayden (CM)
The former Arsenal midfielder is yet to start a game after his return from injury, but Saturday could be the day when he finally features from the get-go.
Matt Ritchie (RW)
The Scottish international has been the difference maker for Newcastle in recent weeks and has been on a fine goal-scoring run. Irreplaceable from the line-up.
Mohamed Diame (CAM)
Through the middle, we expect a change with Ayoze Perez dropping to the bench and Mo Diame playing in an advanced midfield role. The former Hull City man has hardly impressed but is trusted by Benitez.
Christian Atsu (LW)
On the left-flank, Christian Atsu should retain his place in the playing XI. The Chelsea loanee did not have the best of the games against Burton but seems a slightly better option than the ineffective Yoan Gouffran.
Dwight Gayle (ST)
And leading the line will be former Crystal Palace man Dwight Gayle. The 26-year old is the second highest goal-getter in the Championship with 22 strikes and will look to add more to his tally.