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The Brewers may welcome back defender Kyle McFadzean after he was injured in the midweek defeat against Huddersfield. Striker Stuart Beavon, who has been missing for a month, may also make a comeback. Another defender that will not feature is Ben Turner; he remains out because of suspension.
The home side will likely line up in their preferred wing-back system, with Lucas Akins and former Leicester man Lloyd Dyer offering the side width. Jackson Irvine and Forest loanee Jamie Ward are obvious danger men, but Matt Palmer, the man who has created 57 chances this season, is also a key man for Nigel Clough's side.
For Rafa Benitez, he will be boosted by the return of Jack Colback, who has missed the last few games with injury. Whether he comes straight back into the team remains to be seen. Rob Elliot made his long waited return from injury this past Monday for the U-23's, which provides very tough competition in the goalkeeping department.
Jesús Gámez and Rolando Aarons will not feature again this year and the trip to Burton could also be the last game Jonjo Shelvey plays in 2016. His personal hearing is set for December 19th and he could be banned for five matches if he is deemed guilty of offences.
Benitez hinted at making several changes for the game, with players like Mitrović, Atsu, Lazaar, Mbemba, Colback and Pérez all itching for starts. Given the amount of games the team have played lately, rotation is bound to come into effect.
Dwight Gayle has been asked to play a lot of football lately, so Mitrović could be given his chance to impress. Achraf Lazaar has very much been on the periphery thus far, but after a promising display against Hull, he has been named on the bench for the last three matches and may feature on Saturday. If you told me at the beginning of the season that Chancel Mbemba would be third choice at centre back, I would not have believed you. The form of Ciaran Clark has lead to Mbemba being totally frozen out, but he will surely be given another chance eventually.
"The biggest mismatch in the football league", according to Nigel Clough. Without disrespecting Burton Albion, I am inclined to agree. I think Newcastle will simply have too much on the day.
Likely line ups
Burton: McGlaughlin, McFadzean, Brayford, Mousinho, Akins, Choudhury, Irvine, Palmer, Dyer, Ward, O'Grady
Newcastle: Darlow, Yedlin, Lascelles, Clark, Dummett, Shelvey, Colback, Atsu, Diamé, Gouffran, Mitrović
Score prediction: Burton Albion 1-3 Newcastle United
How to follow the match:
The match will NOT be broadcasted live on TV this weekend. Although, you can follow live match commentary courtesy of BBC Radio Newcastle, as well as checking out our Twitter account of course.