Newcastle United predicted line-up vs Luton Town: key change made as record signing suffers setback

Miguel Almiron is expected to replace Alexander Isak in the Newcastle United line-up when they take on Luton Town tomorrow. Eddie Howe’s side are aiming for revenge after having their Christmas ruined at Kenilworth Road in the reverse fixture.

The Hatters claimed an unlikely 1-0 win and head north full of confidence after dismantling Brighton 4-0 on Tuesday. Likewise, Newcastle earned back-to-back wins against Fulham and Aston Villa to get their campaign back on track.

They know a win over Luton will propel them back into the mix for the European spots and, without the added distraction of Champions League football, the Magpies could become a force from now until May. 

We have the latest team news and injury updates below as well as our prediction for how Newcastle will line up tomorrow afternoon. If you’re looking for fantasy team tips, you can also check out our Top 500 manager’s regular advice column by clicking here.

Goalkeeper & defence

Martin Dubravka should keep his place after another measured performance at Villa Park. At one point, the veteran shot-stopper needed treatment and looked set to be replaced, with Loris Karius hoping to make his second Newcastle appearance.

But the Slovak battled on and will likely feature at St James’ Park. In defence, Howe has been able to field his trusted quartet of Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman and Dan Burn.

That quartet formed the bedrock of Newcastle’s success last year - boasting the joint-best defensive record in the Premier League. They have seldom played together in 2023-24 but have done in recent weeks, earning a clean sheet at Fulham before showcasing another solid display against Villa.

Midfield

Howe has no choice but to field Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley in the engine room. The latter, who is living every Toon fan’s dream right now, will be buoyant after penning a long-term extension in midweek.

Sandro Tonali (suspension), Joelinton (thigh), Joe Willock (Achilles) and Elliot Anderson (back) remain sidelined. In reserve, the Magpies can call upon youngsters Joe White and Travis Hernes but neither have made a Premier League appearance.

Attack

This is where the solitary change for Newcastle comes in, with Alexander Isak’s withdrawal the only blemish in an otherwise flawless night on Tuesday. His groin injury will keep him sidelined for Luton but he is not thought to be carrying a severe injury.

While only one change is made, that does force a tactical reshuffle as Anthony Gordon moves from the left flank to lead the line. He most notably did so against Arsenal earlier in the campaign - scoring the winner just moments after the switch.

Miguel Almiron will probably be drafted in for the left flank, where he helped set up the third goal versus Villa, with Jacob Murphy keeping his spot on the right. There could be positive injury news - for a change - as Harvey Barnes (foot) and Callum Wilson (calf) are in contention to return to the bench.

Newcastle predicted line-up vs Luton

(4-3-3) Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Guimaraes, Longstaff, Miley; Murphy, Almiron, Isak