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Team news: Willock returns to starting XI
Written by Rory Mitchinson
Joe Willock has been handed a first start for more than six weeks as Newcastle United look to all but wrap up Premier League safety against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
The Arsenal loanee – ineligible against his parent club five days ago – has carved out a reputation as something of a super sub in recent weeks, netting late against Spurs, West Ham and Liverpool and playing a huge role in the Magpies’ move away from the bottom three.
And, tonight, he has been given a chance to impress from the off, coming in for Sean Longstaff in central midfield.
United’s only other change for their trip to the King Power – a venue they were beaten 5-0 at last season – sees Emil Krafth come into the backline at the expense of Ciaran Clark. He is likely to play centrally, alongside Paul Dummett and Fede Fernández, with Jacob Murphy and Matt Ritchie continuing out wide.
Miguel Almirón, Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson make up the Magpies’ attacking three. On the bench, there is a spot for Javier Manquillo, who hasn’t figured for more than a month himself.
Newcastle United: Martin Dúbravka, Jacob Murphy, Emil Krafth, Federico Fernández, Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, Jonjo Shelvey, Joe Willock, Miguel Almirón, Allan Saint-Maximin, Callum Wilson.
Substitutes: Mark Gillespie, Javier Manquillo, Ciaran Clark, Jamal Lewis, Jeff Hendrick, Sean Longstaff, Joelinton, Dwight Gayle, Andy Carroll.