Predicted Newcastle side to face Reading: One spot up for grabs

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Here is how we expect Newcastle United to line-up for their Championship encounter with Reading.

To be played on Tuesday 7th March 2017 at 20:00. Venue: Madejski Stadium, Reading

Odds: Reading 13/5, Draw 5/2, Newcastle 19/20

Championship leaders Newcastle United travel to fifth place Reading in buoyant mood – as Rafael Benitez’s Magpies have facilitated a five point gap ahead of nearest challengers Brighton and Hove Albion.

To add further joy to Benitez’s charges, Newcastle seem to have a fully fit Dwight Gayle back amongst the ranks after a troublesome hamstring issue.

Newcastle’s weekend victory over Huddersfield saw Gayle appear in the black and white shirt for the first time since being withdrawn in the early stages of his original comeback against Aston Villa at the start of last month – with the former Crystal Palace front man marking the occasion with a goal, after entering the game as a scond half substitute.

Subsequently, Gayle is expected to be afforded a starting berth, as part of a 4-2-3-1 system, against Jaap Stam’s Reading on Tuesday evening. It is also likely that the trio of Matt Ritchie, Mohamed Diame and Christian Atsu will be trusted with supporting the returning goal-getter as part of a forward thinking front four.

With Jonjo Shelvey and Jack Colback establishing an effective pairing in central midfield – and defensive regulars Karl Darlow, Paul Dummett, Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark all near guaranteed starters – the only spot seemingly up for grabs could potentially be the right back role.

Consistent performer DeAndre Yedlin was overlooked at the expense of Vernon Anita last time out, with the Netherlands international looking assured against Huddersfield – but a recall for Yedlin may well materialise considering the high level of performance that the American has churned out week on week so far this campaign.

Hosts Huddersfield, with only two defeats at the Madejski stadium all season, possess the best home record in the Championship. As far as team news is concerned, manager Stam welcomes the returning Garath McCleary to a talented midfield pool all contesting for places – with the likes of Danny Williams, George Evans, Jordan Mutch, Joey Van Den Berg and John Swift all vying for starting spots.

Here is the expected line-up for both Reading and Newcastle United, in full: