Predicted Newcastle side to face Preston: Gouffran expected to start

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Here is how we predict Newcastle United and Preston North End will line-up ahead of their Championship encounter.

To be played on Monday 24th April 2017 at 19:45. Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle

Odds: Newcastle 4/9, Draw 16/5, Preston 6/1

Newcastle United take on Preston North End in a Monday evening Championship clash at St. James’ Park – with Magpies boss Rafael Benitez hoping to get back to winning ways.

Benitez’s side have endured a poor run of form of late and are currently experiencing a three game winless streak – only recording two victories from their previous eight attempts – which has significantly derailed their Championship title hopes.

However, automatic promotion is still a strong likelihood for Newcastle, who need two wins from their three remaining games to secure a return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

In an anticipated change to last week’s 3-1 defeat to Ipswich Town, Newcastle are expected to recall winger Yoan Gouffran in preference to Christian Atsu; whilst resisting the temptation to rotate 34-year-old forward Daryl Murphy, scorer of the Magpies’ solitary strike against his former club, with Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The visit of Simon Grayson’s Preston to Tyneside may prove a perfect tonic to Newcastle’s recent dip – as the Lilywhites prepare for the encounter amid somewhat of a defensive crisis.

Preston will be unable to call upon three of their regular defensive starters, as Alex Baptiste will serve a suspension and injured duo Tom Clarke and Greg Cunningham are out for the remainder of the season.

Consequently, former Newcastle centre back Paul Huntington is expected to partner Everton loanee Tyias Browning at the heart of Grayson’s back line – The latter only just returning from a two month injury lay off himself.

Ahead of Monday evening’s fixture, here is our predicted line-up for both Newcastle United and Preston North End, in full: