Is this the Newcastle United starting XI Eddie Howe will name to face Leicester City?

Newcastle United travel to Leicester City eyeing three points that will breed further confidence in their battle for Premier League safety.

Last time at the King Power Stadium, the Magpies won 4-2, with Callum Wilson netting a brace, while Joe Willock and Paul Dummett also found the scoresheet.

But of course, no two games are the same. United’s squad remains the same but in the dugout is Eddie Howe, who is facing the difficult task of keeping the club afloat in the top-flight.

Sticking with the 4-4-1-1 formation, our writer Jordan Cronin predicts the starting XI Howe will name to face the Foxes:

GK: Martin Dubravka

Newcastle’s number one for a reason. Eases the pressure on his backline by coming from crosses. Also an excellent shotstopper.

RB: Javier Manquillo

An actual right-back playing at right-back. His return to the side, along with Jamal Lewis, has brought a more secure defensive unit.

CB: Fabian Schar

Schar has started every game under Howe and despite suffering with a rib injury earlier in the week is expected to be fit for Leicester City.

CB: Jamaal Lascelles

Returned to the team against Burnley after his one-match ban and looked much better for it. Was United’s man of the match last time out - his best display in a long time.

LB: Jamal Lewis

It’s no coincidence that once Howe started playing two natural full-backs at full-back that United improved defensively. Lewis has played a huge part in that.

RM: Miguel Almiron

Got the nod after Ryan Fraser’s injury last weekend and impressed during his first start under Howe. As always, provided bags of energy but defended well and was a threat going forward.

CM: Jonjo Shelvey

Howe made a point to label Shelvey an “unbelievable technician” before his first game in charge, and Shelvey has lived up to that praise. A key player once more who makes things tick.

CM: Joe Willock

Willock has improved under Howe, but only marginally. Still, there is hope he will turn a corner sooner rather than later.

LM: Allan Saint-Maximin

OK, so his performances have come under some criticism recently but the Frenchman can win a game on his own. Whatever mood Saint-Maximin is in, United would miss his creative spark.

NO.10: Joelinton

A man reborn. We’ve all witnessed how influential Joelinton has been since Howe arrived. Outstanding workrate, with hopefully another goal to follow on Sunday.

ST: Callum Wilson

Unpopular opinion perhaps, but Wilson hasn’t been at his best under Howe. But should he drop him? Absolutely not. He’s a born goalscorer and should play whenever available.