Leicester City Predicted Line-Up Against Newcastle as Ruud van Nistelrooy Plans Three Changes

Injuries, suspensions, and returning players are expected to prompt three changes to Leicester City’s line-up for their match against Newcastle this weekend.

Manager Ruud van Nistelrooy must replace at least two players in his starting XI from last week, as midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Boubakary Soumare are unavailable.

Ndidi is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Soumare is suspended.

With Harry Winks doubtful, Oliver Skipp and Hamza Choudhury are likely to start.

Skipp replaced Ndidi as a substitute during the 1-1 draw with Brighton last weekend.

For Choudhury, this would mark his first Premier League start of the season.

The defensive midfielder has made only one league appearance this campaign, playing 15 minutes in the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.

He also featured in Carabao Cup ties against Tranmere and Walsall but missed the Manchester United game due to a dislocated shoulder.

His last appearance in any competition was in September.

Van Nistelrooy has emphasized preparing players for deep midfield roles in training this week, anticipating potential future issues.

Henry Cartwright, a regular for the under-21s, has also joined training and could be included on the bench, paving the way for a possible debut.

Another likely change is the return of Facundo Buonanotte, who was ineligible to face his parent club Brighton last weekend.

The attacking midfielder is expected to replace Jordan Ayew in the starting XI.

The key decision elsewhere for van Nistelrooy is whether to start Kasey McAteer or Stephy Mavididi on the wing.

McAteer has been favored recently, with his ability to stretch defenses likely giving him the edge again.

Predicted City line-up (4-2-3-1):

Hermansen; Justin, Coady, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Choudhury, Skipp; McAteer, Buonanotte, El Khannouss; Vardy.

Subs from: Ward, Iversen, Thomas, Faes, Okoli, Cartwright, Golding, Alves, Mavididi, Ayew, De Cordova-Reid,Daka, Edouard.