Tanya Oxtoby faces one of her first major selection decisions of the season when Newcastle United Women host Leicester City on Sunday.
The Magpies have won all three of their opening WSL2 matches, scoring seven goals and conceding just once, so wholesale changes would be a surprise.
However, Jordan Nobbs is back in contention after making her first appearance of the season from the bench in last weekend’s 4-1 win over Sheffield United.
Newcastle confirmed Nobbs’ return alongside Jessie Gale’s comeback to first-team training, giving Oxtoby more options ahead of a three-game week.
Newcastle Women predicted XI vs Leicester
Predicted Newcastle XI: Tamminen; McLauchlan, Mannion, Purfield; Torpey, Bradley, Nobbs, Lambert; Lumsden, Thomas, McGovern.
Anna Tamminen should retain her place in goal after starting all three league victories.
Captain Rachel McLauchlan, Aoife Mannion and Jemma Purfield have also formed a settled defensive unit, while Kaitlyn Torpey has been one of Newcastle’s biggest attacking threats from wide areas.
The biggest question comes in midfield.
Katie Bradley has started the last two league matches and impressed, but Nobbs’ return gives Oxtoby the option of adding significant WSL experience from the start.
Nobbs replaced Kathleen McGovern after 62 minutes against Sheffield United and nearly created a goal for Martha Thomas. Newcastle’s official match report confirmed her first appearance of the campaign.
Mollie Lambert should retain her place after another influential display last weekend.
Further forward, there is little reason to break up a unit that has started the season so strongly.
Beth Lumsden has been one of Newcastle’s most productive attackers, while Thomas scored twice against Sheffield United and McGovern has already found the net this season.
Supporters can find full Newcastle Women vs Leicester viewing details here.
Oxtoby now has genuine competition for places, but Newcastle’s perfect league start means continuity should remain the priority against Leicester.
