Eddie Howe knows a win against Leicester City would be a huge step towards mathematically securing Newcastle's place in the Premier League next season. The Magpies are ten points above the bottom three with 18th placed Burnley who parted company with Sean Dyche yesterday.
The Foxes travel to Tyneside full of confidence having reached the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League after an away with at PSV Eindhoven in midweek. Brendan Rodgers' side still have a shout at qualifying for the Europa League by finishing fifth in the Premier League.
The Leicester boss has already lay down the mantle for his side with nine games of the Premier League remaining. They'll be without Jamie Vardy, Wilfred Ndidi, Ryan Bertrand and Danny Ward for Sunday's game.
READ MORE: West Ham's route to Europa League semi-final something Newcastle should emulate
Newcastle on the other hand will face a late fitness call on Ryan Fraser after picking up scan results earlier this week, while Howe could recall Joe Willock to the starting XI after sitting out the win over Wolves. Martin Dubravka is expected to maintain his place between the posts, with Fabian Schar and Dan Burn in the heart of defence.
Emil Krafth was impressive against Wolves last week and he should feature on the right-hand side of defence with Matt Targett at left-back. A midfield trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Jonjo Shelvey and Joelinton started against Wolves and it should be the same again tomorrow.
Miguel Almiron's fine display from the bench mean's there's no need to rush Fraser back from injury. Allan Saint-Maximin is still out to prove a point given criticism over recent performances and he's predicted to start on the flank with Chris Wood up front.
Howe of course, is no stranger to springing a surprise, having opted for a back five against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. He knows that Leicester will arrive on Tyneside with a spring in their step, but will be hoping to capitalise on the rest period between games.
Predicted Newcastle United XI: Dubravka; Krafth, Schar, Burn, Targett; Bruno, Joelinton, Shelvey; Almiron, Saint-Maximin; Wood.
