Newcastle United’s predicted starting XI to take on Leeds United.  (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)Newcastle United’s predicted starting XI to take on Leeds United.  (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
Newcastle United’s predicted starting XI to take on Leeds United. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

The seven Newcastle United players missing as starting XI v Leeds United is confirmed

Newcastle United’s starting XI to face Leeds United has been confirmed.

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United starting XI is unchanged for the visit of Leeds United to St James’ Park.

Callum Wilson is back in the matchday squad after missing the Boxing Day victory at Leicester City - but Howe has opted to keep faith in Chris Wood.

The New Zealand international opened the scoring from the penalty spot at the King Power Stadium, while goals from Miguel Almiron and Joelinton wrapped up a comfortable 3-0 victory.

Goalkeeper Nick Pope is protected by a four-man defence of Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman and Dan Burn. Joe Willock, who makes his 100th Premier League appearance, Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff form a three-man midfield.

Either side of Wood is Joelinton and Almiron. If the Paraguayan scores against Leeds, he’ll become the first Newcastle player since Loic Remy in 2013/14 to reach double figures in a single season before the turn of the year.

Missing from the matchday squad Ryan Fraser, Matt Targett and Loris Karius. Alexander Isak (thigh), Paul Dummett (back), Emil Krafth (ACL) and Jonjo Shelvey had already been ruled out through injury.

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