Newcastle United welcome bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United to St James’ Park as they look to bounce back from the midweek defeat at Crystal Palace.
The 2-0 loss to the Eagles - inflicted by two Jean Philippe-Mateta goals - ended a run of four matches unbeaten and perhaps brought United back down to earth following their 4-0 win over Champions League-chasing Tottenham Hotspur.
Eddie Howe produced a tactical masterclass against Spurs, unleashing an unseen 3-4-3 formation, but sticking with the same formula - and players - didn’t work again at Selhurst Park. Against the Blades, Howe must decide whether to stick again, or possibly revert back his favoured 4-3-3.
With five games remaining, European qualification is on the line for Newcastle. But for Sheffield United, barring a miracle, will be relegated back to the Championship, which will become official if they lose on Tyneside. But Howe isn’t underestimating the visitors.
"They are competitive, as highlighted by their recent games,” he told reporters at his pre-match press conference. “The game against Manchester United could have gone the other way.
"The beauty of this quick turnaround is that we have a chance to put on a much better performance. It will be a difficult game for us - we do not want to underestimate them. Chris is an outstanding manager, how he sets his team up. I have always admired him. It will be a difficult game, but we back ourselves if we play to our standards."
Here’s how Newcastle United are predicted to line-up:
1. GK: Martin Dubravka
Dubravka was unable to keep a third consecutive clean sheet at Crystal Palace in midweek.
2. RB: Tino Livramento
Passed fit despite an ongoing ankle injury.
3. CB: Fabian Schar
Schar is the only Newcastle player to appear in every Premier League game this season.
4. CB: Dan Burn
Will continue as captain in Jamaal Lascelles and Kieran Trippier’s absence.