The teams have been released ahead of tonight’s 8pm kick off at Leicester, seeing Steve Bruce make TWO changes to the side that lost 2-0 to Arsenal last weekend.
Joe Willock returns to the starting line up in place of Sean Longstaff, while Ciaran Clark has been dropped – handing a rare and slightly surprising start to Swedish international Emil Krafth.
Here’s the NUFC XI, expected formation and subs bench in full:
(5-3-2): Dubravka – Murphy, Krafth Fernandez, Dummett, Ritchie – Willock, Shelvey (c), Almiron – Saint-Maximin, Wilson.
SUBS: Gillespie, Clark, Lewis, Manquillo, Hendrick, S. Longstaff, Carroll, Joelinton, Gayle.
So, Krafth looks set to come in as a right-sided centre-back – a risky move based on his recent displays in this position – and Willock is rightfully recalled after several key goals from the bench. Sean Longstaff is unlucky to drop out, with Bruce proving once again how reluctant he is to drop Jonjo Shelvey!
Elsewhere, Schar misses out through suspension, while Lascelles and Hayden remain out with injuries that could see both miss the rest of the season.
Fraser and Darlow are absent as they continue their recovery from minor operations, with Elliot Anderson also missing with a hip injury and Matt Longstaff left out of the matchday squad once again.
As for Leicester, the hosts line up as follows:
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Super Shelvey in again?doesn’t work hard enough or cover enough ground for a team with loads of movement like Leicester, either of the Longstaff’s have to offer more than him!
I never thought I would say this but Krafth could be a better option/ fit than Clarke who has been right out of form, but he still hopeless!
Murphy and Ritchie are going to need some engine tonight!
Joseph(Quote)
Need a performance from Shelvey tonight…he has to start taking control of games and leading by example…he cant stroll around tonight he needs to be on his heels. Longstaff is not mobile enough either as DM. Id personally rather see Richie there than Shelvey and Lewis at LB
Cal(Quote)