Newcastle predicted lineup vs Luton Town - Premier League
- Newcastle continue to struggle with a long injury list
- Sven Botman, Emil Krafth and Anthony Gordon aiming to play more than one half
- Potential rests for Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier
By Euan Burns
Newcastle are desperate for a routine Premier League win over Luton Town on Saturday to put some of their recent struggles behind them.
The Magpies arrive at Kenilworth Road having just been knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Chelsea on penalties and know a defeat at the weekend could see them drop multiple places in the English top flight.
Even with the injuries Eddie Howe is having to contend with, his side should have enough in the tank to get a victory against Luton. A potential success would be their second Premier League win in a row and give Newcastle a platform to build from after Christmas.
Here's the starting lineup Howe may choose for Newcastle's trip to Luton.
Newcastle predicted lineup vs Luton Town (4-3-3)
GK: Martin Dubravka - Nick Pope's absence is certainly being felt by Newcastle but there are many worse backup goalkeepers in the Premier League than Dubravka.
RB: Emil Krafth - Played half of the game against Chelsea on his return from injury and, given Kieran Trippier's recent woes, Howe could do the same thing against Luton.
CB: Jamaal Lascelles - There is potential for Fabian Schar to come back into the team if fit, but Lascelles is likely to get another start here.
CB: Sven Botman - The Dutchman also played half of the match against Chelsea, which suggests he should be in line for minutes again this weekend.
LB: Dan Burn - Tino Livramento played the whole Chelsea match and has barely had a break recently, so Howe might save him for Boxing Day and use Burn at left-back.
CM: Lewis Miley - The shining light of this recent injury-heavy period for Newcastle, a lack of options means Miley could be set for another Newcastle start.
CM: Bruno Guimaraes - It is a blessing for Newcastle that Guimaraes has not picked up an injury during the past two months, as his absence would be sorely felt.
CM: Sean Longstaff - Joelinton could make a return on Saturday afternoon but if he does not, expect Longstaff to start again.
RW: Miguel Almiron - He might benefit from a rest but with all the injuries, Almiron is not likely to get one here. He will be under pressure from Harvey Barnes when the Englishman returns.
ST: Callum Wilson - With Alexander Isak not expected to make it back in time, Wilson is set to start again. He will be looking to build on the goal against Chelsea.
LW: Anthony Gordon - He played just over half of the match against Chelsea so a start is not out of the question. If Gordon is handed a rest, Matt Ritchie may start instead.
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