How Newcastle United could line up against Sheffield United

By Sam Varley | 17 May 2021 16:18, Last updated: 04 Jun 2025 23:31

Newcastle United come into Wednesday's home game against Sheffield United with an unenviable list of absentees.

Club captain Jamaal Lascelles remains out of action with a foot injury, while goalkeeper Karl Darlow, winger Ryan Fraser and centre-midfielder Isaac Hayden also continue spells on the sidelines.

Key striker Callum Wilson will also miss out through a hamstring injury, having netted 12 goals in the Premier League this season, playing a major role in the Magpies' survival.

In Wilson's absence last time out, midfielder Joe Willock found the net for the fifth consecutive match, and the Arsenal loanee should again feature from the outset on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, forward Joelinton netted his fourth goal of the season from the penalty spot in that match, giving the Brazilian renewed confidence coming into the final two matches of the season.

Steve Bruce could stick with the front two of Joelinton and the dynamic Allan Saint-Maximin, while Willock and Miguel Almiron should offer plenty more threat from midfield.

Aside from Lascelles's injury, Newcastle's defensive options have been further hit by the suspension of centre-back Fabian Schar, and the Swiss international will serve the final game of his three-match suspension on Wednesday after a red card in their 2-0 defeat to Arsenal at the beginning of May.

With the limited options, the Tyneside outfit were forced to line up with a makeshift back three of Emil Krafth, Federico Fernandez and Paul Dummett for the Manchester City clash, while Ciaran Clark will also be pushing for a starting spot after a spell on the bench.

Newcastle United possible starting XI: Dubravka; Krafth, Fernandez, Dummett; Murphy, Willock, Shelvey, Almiron, Ritchie; Joelinton, Saint-Maximin

Click here to see how Sheffield United could line up for this clash