Newcastle predicted lineup vs Man Utd - Premier League
By Sean Walsh
Newcastle welcome Manchester United to St James' Park on Monday night as the Magpies' fight to stave off relegation from the Premier League goes on.
Surprisingly, Newcastle are only three points from safety, but have won just one game all season. That victory came against fellow strugglers Burnley, and Eddie Howe's side are still in bother.
The Tyneside club are expected to spend big in the January transfer window to boost their survival hopes, but they have a couple of fixtures to navigate before then.
Here's how they could line up against Manchester United...
Newcastle predicted lineup vs Man Utd
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Martin Dubravka (GK) - With his injury worries behind him, Dubravka firmly remains ahead of Karl Darlow and Freddie Woodman in the pecking order.
Jacob Murphy (RB) - Better offensively than defensively for sure, but will need to put in a shift here to keep United quiet.
Fabian Schar (CB) - The Swiss' stock has fallen off a cliff this season after several errors and lapses in concentration despite his obvious technical qualities.
Jamaal Lascelles (CB) - The club captain is going to have his hands full up against Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ciaran Clark (CB) - A testing time of late, but Isaac Hayden's suspension means Howe may revert to playing three centre-backs.
Matt Ritchie (LB) - Ritchie and Howe have a long history together. Look pretty alike, too.
2. Midfielders
Allan Saint-Maximin (RM) - Giving the Frenchman the ball will undoubtedly be Newcastle's best method of successfully progressing up the pitch.
Sean Longstaff (CM) - Once a Man Utd target, Longstaff will have his work cut out battling against Scott McTominay and Fred.
Miguel Almiron (CM) - Joe Willock has struggled since his permanent move to Newcastle, meaning Almiron should get the nod in midfield here.
Joelinton (LM) - His work rate and height should both come in handy.
3. Forward
Callum Wilson (CF) - Will be isolated for the most part, but if he gets a sniff at goal, he needs to be clinical if Newcastle are to take anything from this.