Nick Pope replacement named as injury forces England stopper to miss out - Our predicted NUFC XI to face Leicester City

Newcastle United and Leicester City will meet at St James' Park on Saturday afternoon in a good old 3pm kick-off.

Once again there has been some debate over a couple of places in the starting XI around NUFC Feed Towers but a lot of talk is of our own opinions versus what we think Eddie Howe will do.

Callum Wilson is certain to miss out tomorrow after picking up another knock that is set to keep him out of action for another two months. Meanwhile, Joe Willock and Nick Pope are both doubts, and as such we've taken them off the board.

That leaves Eddie Howe with a big choice to make in terms of who stands between the sticks, but we think we've got that call spot on.

Goalkeeper

Martin Dubravka - We'd prefer to see what Odysseas Vlachodimos can do, but Eddie Howe won't have the stones to do so, so we expect to see M-Dubz starting.

Defenders

Tino Livramento - There's a feeling amongst some in the office that Kieran Trippier will start. A prediction I made previously that didn't come to pass so I'm sticking with Tino.

Fabian Schar - Fabi is not having the best of times lately but we literally have nobody else to play in his place.

Dan Burn - Rock solid Burn. The standout at the back lately, there is no reason to drop him.

Lewis Hall - The most hot and cold player on the pitch at any given time but when he's on, he's ON.

Midfielders

Sandro Tonali - Tonali could play in the #6 role instead of Bruno Guimaraes, and indeed should but again, we're talking about Eddie "Stubborn as a Mule" Howe.

Bruno Guimaraes - We expect him to keep his spot in the middle of the three but wouldn't be too shocked to see him swap with Tonali.

Joelinton - J7 will once again be back in the middle with Jacob Murphy back in Howe's good graces.

Forwards

Jacob Murphy - It doesn't matter how many times he gives the ball away or does something incredibly poor, the fact he plucks his wick out seems to be enough for Howe.

Alexander Isak - Well, it's not going to be Callum Wilson, is it?

Anthony Gordon - Sent a defiant message to the media yesterday now needs to put it all behind him and get things right on the pitch.

There have been rumblings that Harvey Barnes could miss out tomorrow with a knock which could really damage Newcastle's ability to impact the game late on, and also robs him of the chance to get one over on his old club.

Options are dwindling again from the bench showing just how much a couple of injuries can take the bottom out of this side.