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Chris Watson

Steve Bruce drops early Newcastle United team news hint ahead of Leeds United clash

Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce has confirmed he will make at least a couple of changes to his starting line-up against Leeds United.

The Magpies beat West Bromwich Albion 2-1 at St James' Park at the weekend in the aftermath of a coronavirus outbreak at the club.

That made it successive wins for Bruce's men - but he still plans to freshen things up against Leeds at Elland Road on Wednesday evening (6pm kick-off).

Winger Ryan Fraser is back in contention after injury, though may start on the bench.

Bielsa responds to criticism about announcing his team early

Meanwhile, Fede Fernandez is also available again, having previously tested positive for Covid-19.

Bruce must decide whether to continue with makeshift defender Isaac Hayden, or recall Fernandez.

"I will make a couple of changes because I do think we need to freshen it up," the manager told the Chronicle.

"We have another game Saturday then Tuesday again.

"So I will freshen up, which I think is pretty normal these days.

"Everybody came through from Saturday.

"A lot of them were tired but the ones that had the virus we have detected is fatigue.

"The fatigue is the big thing."

Meanwhile, Leeds are without the injured Robin Koch and Diego Llorente, plus long-term absentees Adam Forshaw and Gaetano Berardi.

But head coach Marcelo Bielsa has said striker Patrick Bamford is fit despite being substituted in the closing stages of the 2-1 defeat to West Ham United last time out.

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