Steve Bruce opted to name an unchanged line-up for the clash at Southampton following the 2-1 win over Everton.
However, the Toon boss was without Scotland international Ryan Fraser for the encounter on the South Coast meaning Matty Longstaff came in to replace him on the bench.
Chronicle Live understands that Fraser is missing with a hamstring complaint - which leaves a question mark over his involvement in Scotland's Euro 2020 play-off against Serbia.
Bruce will now be looking to Allan Saint-Maximin to provide the ammo for Callum Wilson in attack while Miguel Almiron continues in a deeper midfield role.
The selection means that Ciaran Clark and Isaac Hayden must continue to be patient and wait for a start after recovering from injuries.
Southampton were without top scorer Danny Ings but go into the game looking to climb to the top of the table.
UNITED : Darlow; Murphy, Schar, Lascelles, Fernandez, Lewis, Hendrick, Sean Longstaff, Almiron, Saint-Maximin, Wilson
