Eddie Howe's Newcastle United approach this fixture expected to start in a usual 4-3-3 formation, emphasising their play on vertical progression, wing play, and structured high pressing. They are a side that thrives in transitions, frequently targeting wide overloads and sharp movements through midfield to open up the opposition defensive structure.
In possession, Newcastle play out from the back using wide areas. In the possible absence of Fabian Schär, Dan Burn is expected to take on a more 'ball-playing' role, forcing Newcastle to build down the left flank. Once they successfully move the ball out of the defensive third, Newcastle look to progress further using width - their wingers Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy drop deep while surrounding players' movements are designed to create space in the half-spaces, allowing the wingers to cut inside and carry the ball forward. From here, they can combine with the central midfielders.
Newcastle's chance creation is dependent on the use of width and high verticality - 1v1s on the wing, overlapping runs, and late midfield arrivals are central to their attacking success. Jacob Murphy has been a key creative force this season, having the second-highest assists in the league this season with 11, while Alexander Isak has been in inspired form up top, having scored 23 goals already.
Out of possession, Newcastle like to press high with a man-marking orientation, especially against teams that like to build from deep. With Newcastle's defensive line pushed high, Nick Pope has to be proactive in sweeping out opposition through balls - he leads the league in defensive actions made outside the penalty area, averaging 2.24 per game. Once Newcastle's press is bypassed, they quickly drop into a compact 4-5-1 mid-block, with Jacob Murphy occasionally dropping further back to create a back 5.
Newcastle are also sharp in attacking transitions. They have attempted the 3rd highest number of shots form fast breaks this season.