If ever a game was a must-win this is it.
Newcastle United face Leeds on Saturday in a match that could end up defining either team’s season.
The Whites and the Magpies are both in the midst of a relegation battle, and while the Yorkshire club’s win against West Ham last week created a bit of distance, a loss here would put them right back in the mix.
Newcastle have been desperately trying to get more reinforcements through the door for this match, but after another week of frustrating negotiations, there are no new additions.
With that in mind, we’ve had a go at predicting Newcastle’s starting XI for this one.
It may be a risk, but we think Newcastle will go into this game unchanged from the side that drew with Watford.
The Magpies weren’t too bad against the Hornets, and on another day they would have come away with all three points.
That means that new signings Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood are both entrusted to start one of the most important games of Newcastle’s season, while Paul Dummett makes his second consecutive Premier League start.
Allan Saint-Maximin created plenty of chances in the reverse fixture, and Newcastle may well be looking towards him for a bit of magic once again here.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
