SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 07: Steve Agnew, First team coach of Newcastle United (L) and Steve Bruce, Manager of Newcastle United (R) inspect the pitch prior to the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United at St Mary's Stadium on March 07, 2020 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 07: Steve Agnew, First team coach of Newcastle United (L) and Steve Bruce, Manager of Newcastle United (R) inspect the pitch prior to the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United at St Mary's Stadium on March 07, 2020 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 07: Steve Agnew, First team coach of Newcastle United (L) and Steve Bruce, Manager of Newcastle United (R) inspect the pitch prior to the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United at St Mary's Stadium on March 07, 2020 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Steve Bruce's predicted Newcastle United starting XI against Sheffield United - featuring some BIG calls

It’s been more than three months since Newcastle United kicked a ball in anger and it’s the Blades who get them going today.

A formation switch and some more expansive, open play was the order of the day pre-COVID, but will Steve Bruce stick with his plan or drop back into a three-man backline?

Our colleague in the North East take a look at the starting XI the manager could pick with Sheffield United in town.