Predicted Newcastle side to play Burton: Benitez to change three?

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Here is how we expect Newcastle United and Burton Albion to line-up ahead of their Championship meeting.

To be played on Wednesday 5th April 2017 at 20:45. Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle

Odds: Newcastle 2/5, Draw 10/3, Burton Albion 7/1

Championship table-toppers Newcastle United host 19th positioned Burton Albion in a midweek encounter at St James’ Park.

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez may opt to rotate his midfield for the clash against Nigel Clough’s Brewers – with the possibility of recalls for the returning Isaac Hayden, Christian Atsu and Ayoze Perez.

The Magpies are fully expected to name an unchanged defensive unit – influenced in part by the continued absence of central defender Ciaran Clark and marauding full back DeAndre Yedlin through injury.

Despite injuries to some of his defensive personnel, Benitez will be buoyed by the availability of fit again Hayden – with consideration as to whether the central midfielder will start against Burton possibly high on the Newcastle boss’ agenda.

Any Hayden return may well be at the expense of Jack Colback – but considering the recent encouraging form shown by the diminutive former Sunderland schemer the likelihood is that Hayden may have to settle for a place on the substitutes bench.

However, one midfielder more inclined to be awarded a starting berth could be winger Christian Atsu, with the pacey wide man expected to take the left flank in preference over Yoan Gouffran.

A third potential change to Newcastle’s previous starting line-up could see Ayoze Perez, fresh from his 100th appearance for the Toon at the weekend, getting the nod ahead of Mohamed Diame in the supporting role behind goal-getter Dwight Gayle.

Meanwhile, opponents Burton could hand Jackson Irvine a start – following the Australian international’s match winning heroics from the substitutes bench against Huddersfield Town last time out.

Here is our predicted line-up for both Newcastle United and Burton Albion, in full: