Newcastle United return to action in the Premier League this evening when they travel to winless Sheffield United, and the Magpies will be under pressure to pick up all three points at Bramall Lane.
Steve Bruce’s side suffered another defeat against Arsenal in the FA Cup on Saturday with some key players rested, but they did manage to produce a solid enough performance until extra time. However, after failing to score at the Emirates Stadium Newcastle have now registered just one goal in their last eight hours of football.
The Magpies are also winless in their last seven matches in all competitions since their 2-1 win against second-bottom West Brom at St James’ Park a month ago. That has seen pressure rise on Bruce and Newcastle will need to avoid being the first team to suffer a league defeat to Sheffield United this season if that pressure is to be kept at bay.
Newcastle have form for losing against a side in a similar position Sheffield United. They were the only side to beaten by Derby County during their disastrous Premier League campaign in 2007/08, and Bruce needs his side to avoid a similar result tonight and get back to winning ways.
Changes from the line-up against Arsenal are expected and Bruce should revert back to what has predominantly been the team used in the league in the last few weeks, although there may be questions over the selection of some players based on recent results.
Here is how we think Newcastle could line up against Sheffield United, with six changes from the team which started in the cup on Saturday.
