Here is the team I am predicting Steve Bruce will name for Saturday’s match against Manchester United. It has three changes from the 2-2 draw against Southampton.
Unfortunately, Bruce is forced into a change at the top end of the pitch. The irreplaceable Callum Wilson is sidelined with a thigh strain and will not take part tomorrow. Hopefully, this injury isn’t one that lingers.
In his place comes Joelinton, who has played in all of Newcastle’s four matches this season. However, this would be his first league start. He is the likely choice to partner with Allan Saint-Maximin up top.
Bruce will probably keep with Willock and Almiron as his two number eights. Bruce has confirmed that Almiron will be available despite Paraguay’s ire at him not being released for international duty.
There is a very good chance Isaac Hayden returns after not being risked against Southampton. The midfielder is the best option in the holding role and has had two additional weeks to recover from a slight knee problem.
Likewise, Paul Dummett returns from injury to make his first appearance of the campaign. The 29-year-old was in with a shout against The Saints but was held back. He’s the clear choice to return to the left side of the back three, where he started the final 12 games of last season.
Finally, Freddie Woodman returns in goal despite Karl Darlow’s availability. It would be harsh to drop the 24-year-old after his four starts. He’s been offered little protection from the defense.
While I suspect Darlow will eventually get the nod, I get the feeling Woodman will get another opportunity tomorrow at Old Trafford.
92 comments so far
The Prince's Mate
Sep 11, 2021 at 1:49 AM
Comment #81Joking apart…whats the odds for us for a 1-0 win?
We are the toon after all…
NY Mag
Sep 11, 2021 at 1:51 AM
Comment #82That’s my hope 🙂
lesh
Sep 11, 2021 at 2:12 AM
Comment #83Carltoon
You’re doing a fine job responding to jane’s posts. Alexa’s searching for a sense of purpose and giving her one (a sense of purpose that is) will only provide encouragement.
That posters got history.
lesh
Sep 11, 2021 at 2:19 AM
Comment #84NY Mag
The frog may go on but he/ she doesn’t nit pick or adopt a superior attitude to others. We’re all human but not all perfect!
albert albert
Sep 11, 2021 at 2:20 AM
Comment #85Have faith Bruce’s record at Old Trafford reads played 12 ,lost 11 and a draw , I reckon he will be gone in 4 or 5 games , looked rattled today ,what’s he going to be like next week when the fans go bananas when we get tonked off Leeds,
NY Mag
Sep 11, 2021 at 2:43 AM
Comment #86Lesh,
Too right…..I’m far from perfect. I’m not always wrong (only mostly) 😀
Unused Substitute
Sep 11, 2021 at 5:04 AM
Comment #87I don’t think we will look as bad against ManU as many in here are suggesting. Ronaldo these days takes 120 minutes to score a goal; in 13-14 he used to take around 80. And some are thinking he will pump three into us. Not just Ronaldo, the whole of ManU these days is an overhyped media circus. With all these visions of impending doom and gloom I’m afraid, any scoreline better than 5-0 could be seen as a virtual victory of our clownish management.
ilovetoon8788
Sep 11, 2021 at 5:10 AM
Comment #88could be a thrashing today.
if we can make southampton look like prime barcelona, i don’t know what we’ll do with manu.
prediction
Manu 7 – Newcastle 1.
jane
Sep 11, 2021 at 7:22 AM
Comment #89lesh it’s called making an effort to be friendly. why don’t you try it.
jane
Sep 11, 2021 at 7:26 AM
Comment #90we drew with Southampton. Man Utd drew with Southampton. therefore..
Jail for Ashley
Sep 11, 2021 at 7:56 AM
Comment #91Yes Jane, Man City beat Arsenal 5-0. Chelsea got beat off Arsenal. Chelsea beat Man City therefore…. What???
Jail for Ashley
Sep 11, 2021 at 8:09 AM
Comment #92Just watching this clowns presser. He’s in a proper bad defensive mood but mention Man U or Ronaldo and he can’t help but smile.