OPINION
Newcastle United head coach Steve Bruce is expected to make two changes to his starting line up for Sunday’s trip to Leicester City.
The Magpies produced a wretched performance in their goalless draw with Brighton & Hove Albion last time out, and surely won’t go with the same eleven against the Foxes.
With that said, central midfielder Ki Sung-yueng and winger Allan Saint-Maximin will likely come in for the underperforming Jonjo Shelvey and Miguel Almiron.
Those two changes should be enough for Bruce’s team to at least play with a bit more gusto against Brendan Rodgers’ side, in what will be a tough test for them at the King Power Stadium.
Nothing will likely change between the sticks, though, with goalkeeper Martin Dubravka almost certain to start. Meanwhile, Javier Manquillo has surely done enough to continue to keep out Emil Krafth at right wing back.
On the opposite side of the defence, Jetro Willems can expect to keep his place. In the centre of the backline, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles and Paul Dummett will all surely stay where they are.
As mentioned, Ki will most probably come in for Shelvey. Sean Longstaff will likely only be on the substitute’s bench, at best, on Sunday, meaning the South Korean is the prime candidate to replace the England international. Alongside him, Isaac Hayden is the main man and will almost certainly keep his place.
With Almiron being perhaps even more disappointing than Shelvey so far this season, Saint-Maximin can expect to come in for him on the left hand side, with Christian Atsu surely swapping to the right.
Up front, Joelinton will likely continue from the start with Andy Carroll still getting back to full fitness and Dwight Gayle out injured.
