Newcastle vs Hull - Predicted teams and match preview

Newcastle return to Premier League action at St James’ Park on Saturday, looking to respond after Monday night’s unacceptable 4-1 defeat at Leeds United.

Hull arrive unbeaten in the league and fresh from a 2-2 draw at Chelsea, having previously secured 1-0 wins over Man Utd and Coventry, along with a 0-0 draw with Aston Villa.

A bounce-back is needed from Matthias Jaissle's Mags, but this won’t be the straightforward game some may have expected before the season started, as Alfie Potts Harmer told NUFC Blog in this week's Opposition Opinion piece.

Injuries have plagued us this week, with at least SEVEN senior players set to miss out, meaning this new-look Newcastle side must step up, show character and respond to Monday's unacceptable display at Elland Road if we're to head into the international break on a high.

Predicted line-ups

Predicted Newcastle XI: (4-2-3-1) Hornicek - Livramento, Thiaw, Botman, Hall - Steur, Miley - Fernandez-Pardo, Willock, Barnes - Wissa.

There are a few decisions for Matthias Jaissle to make, particularly after confirming that Anthony Elanga, Amar Dedic, Nico Gonzalez and Jacob Ramsey are unavailable.

With Dedic out, I expect Tino Livramento to come back into the side at right-back, while Lewis Miley and Sean Steur are likely to go again, as Joelinton is not yet fit and Aladji Bamba seems unlikely to be thrown in after limited minutes so far this season.

The big question is how Jaissle replaces Elanga. Jacob Murphy is the obvious option on the right, but after a poor display at Leeds, I think we could see a few surprises in wide areas. Fernandez-Pardo's pace and Barnes' goal threat could be our biggest weapons against a stubborn Hull back five, and I've got a feeling that's what Jaissle will go with.

Up top, I think we'll see Joe Willock back in a No.10 role, with Yoane Wissa leading the line in Osula's continued absence.

Hull predicted XI: (5-4-1) Tzolakis - Coyle, Ajayi, Egan, Herrington, Giles - Belloumi, Slater, Crooks, Stroud - McBurnie.

Match prediction 

This is exactly the type of game Newcastle need to win. Not just in response to Monday's mess, but if we're to exceed expectations this season and head into the upcoming break with renewed momentum.

Hull deserve plenty of respect after taking eight points from their opening four matches and drawing at Chelsea; who have been the only side to score past the Tigers so far.

But after the Leeds performance, I expect a reaction in front of a St James’ Park crowd that will demand considerably more intensity.

We need to be sharper, more aggressive and much better without the ball, a clearer attacking game plan is required from Jaissle, and those coming in to replace Elanga and Dedic have to step up.

I’m going for Newcastle to respond with a win, although I'm not expecting an easy ride from this unbeaten Hull side. 

Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Hull City 

Howay the lads!