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Newcastle United host Leeds United on Wednesday night eyeing a third straight Premier League win for the first time this season.
Back-to-back wins over Burnley and Crystal Palace have seen the Magpies climb to ninth in the Premier League table, just two points behind fifth-place Chelsea.
Eddie Howe’s side were held to a goalless draw away to Leeds in August and they too visit the North East in strong form, having gone seven games unbeaten to put themselves eight points above the relegation zone.
Here’s how Newcastle are predicted to line-up against Leeds:
5. CB: Fabian Schar
Schar made his 250th appearance for Newcastle in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace but could be coming to the end of his Tyneside career with his contract due to expire in June. | Getty Images
6. LB: Tino Livramento (in for Lewis Hall)
With Livramento back from injury, Howe could use it as an opportunity to manage Hall’s minutes. | Getty Images
7. CM: Sandro Tonali
Tonali hasn’t been at his best in recent months but Howe says he and his coaching staff are working hard to improve his performances. | Getty Images
8. CM: Bruno Guimaraes
Newcastle’s skipper has stepped up when his team needed him most on several occasions this season. | Getty Images