Predicted Newcastle side to face Bristol City: Star man dropped, Gayle replaced

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Here is how we predict Newcastle United to line-up against Bristol City this weekend.

To be played on Saturday 25th February 2017 at 16:00. Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle

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

Championship table-toppers Newcastle United host relegation threatened Bristol City this weekend – with two main changes expected for Rafa Benitez’s Magpies.

Unfortunately for Newcastle, Dwight Gayle’s hamstring issues continue; after the forward was withdrawn after just 30 minutes of last week’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa. Consequently, Aleksandar Mitrovic is likely to take Gayle’s centre-forward role against Bristol.

It is expected that Benitez’s other line-up change involves a recall for Ayoze Perez, at the expense of Mohamed Diame. Despite the victory, the Senegal international experienced a poor performance against Aston Villa and looks set to miss out against the Robins.

Aside from altering his front two, Benitez should name an unchanged line-up, meaning that Karl Darlow governs a stable back four of DeAndre Yedlin, Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark and Paul Dummett.

In the absence of Isaac Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey and Jack Colback look set to continue their pairing in central midfield and should be flanked by Matt Ritchie and Yoan Gouffran.

Meanwhile, Bristol City head coach Lee Johnson will be hoping for an improved application and performance following two successive defeats – the most recent of which saw his side fall to a tenth loss in 13 Championship games after a 2-0 home humbling against Fulham.

Here is the predicted line-up for both Newcastle United and Bristol City, in full: