Newcastle United round off an eventful 2022 on the final day of the year when Leeds United visit St James Park.
For Eddie Howe’s side, the aims are all too clear as they look to continue their impressive form and continue challenging for a place in European competition next season. The Magpies temporarily moved into second place in the Premier League table on Boxing Day when Chris Wood, Miguel Almiron and Joelinton all found the net in a 3-0 win at Leicester City.
But Howe’s men slipped to third when Erling Haaland’s brace inspired Manchester City to a 3-1 away win at Leeds and ensured they leapfrogged Newcastle to reclaim their place at the front of the pack behind leaders Arsenal. The defeat against Pep Guardiola’s side has left Leeds nervously looking over their shoulders at the relegation zone and they head to Tyneside sat just two points and three places above the bottom three.
Manager Jesse Marsch has spoken of a need to make changes to his side as he contends with a hectic fixture schedule ahead of the visit to St James Park. NewcastleWorld assesses what changes could be made as we predict the starting eleven he could name on Saturday afternoon.
But Howe’s men slipped to third when Erling Haaland’s brace inspired Manchester City to a 3-1 away win at Leeds and ensured they leapfrogged Newcastle to reclaim their place at the front of the pack behind leaders Arsenal. The defeat against Pep Guardiola’s side has left Leeds nervously looking over their shoulders at the relegation zone and they head to Tyneside sat just two points and three places above the bottom three.
5. CB: Liam Cooper
Cooper was replaced by Diego Llorente during the second-half of the game against Manchester City but should be handed another start. Photo: Stu Forster
6. LB: Pascal Struijk
The ongoing fitness issues of Junior Firpo mean Struijk is likely to start at left-back once again. Photo: Getty Images
7. CM: Tyler Adams (in for Adam Foreshaw)
Adams returns to contention after serving a suspension and will be welcomed back by Marsch. Photo: Michael Regan
8. CM: Marc Roca
The former Bayern Munich midfielder has endured a mixed season so far but looks set to start again on Tyneside. Photo: Bruce Rollinson