£20m star drops out as 11-goal man returns: Newcastle United’s predicted starting XI v Leeds

Newcastle United’s 2-0 defeat to Premier League title-chasing Arsenal could tempt Eddie Howe to name changes to his starting XI to take on Leeds United.

With Sean Longstaff missing for a third straight game because of a foot injury, it’s likely Joelinton will remain in the centre of the park alongside Joe Willock and Bruno Guimaraes.

With Joelinton asked to do a job elsewhere, the question is, who starts on the left wing?

Last week, Howe opted to field Alexander Isak in that position with Callum Wilson leading the line. However, the Magpies’ head coach has other options such as Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron and January signing Anthony Gordon.

Here’s the starting XI NewcastleWorld is predicting Howe to name as the 45-year-old looks to guide his side one step closer to Champions League qualification.

GK: Nick Pope

The England goalkeeper has kept just one clean sheet in his last 15 games having previously gone nine games without conceding.

RB: Kieran Trippier

Trippier will lead United out at Elland Road. His leadership will be vitally important in front of a vociferous crowd.

CB: Fabian Schar

Almost scored an equaliser against Arsenal before netting an unfortunate own goal. Will need to keep his emotion in check after becoming a tad frustrated last weekend.

CB: Sven Botman

Botman endured a difficult afternoon against Arsenal last weekend but overall has enjoyed an impressive debut season at St James’ Park.

LB: Dan Burn

It was feared Bukayo Saka would get the better of Burn last weekend but the Blyth-born defender stood up the task admirably.

CM: Bruno Guimaraes

The Brazilian had a rare off-day against Arsenal. It’s clear he’s carrying some kind of injury but there’s no time to rest him.

CM: Joelinton

Joelinton limped away from St James’ Park last Sunday but thankfully has recovered quickly ahead of the trip to Leeds.

CM: Joe Willock

Without Sean Longstaff, Willock’s pace becomes even more important as he looks to drive to United forward at Elland Road.

RW: Miguel Almiron (in for Callum Wilson)

A recall for Paraguayan, who has scored 11 goals this season.

LW: Jacob Murphy

Almiron’s return sees Murphy move to the left-hand side, a position he performed very well in October.

ST: Alexander Isak

Howe might think differently, but the Isak and Callum Wilson experiment didn’t pay off against Arsenal. Start the Swede and bring on super-sub Wilson.

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