The SIX Newcastle United players set for recall for huge Sheffield United clash

Jonjo Shelvey scored a controversial goal in a 2-0 Newcastle win at Bramall Lane last season.

The former Blades boss is under pressure after a poor run of results which has seen the Magpies crash out of the League Cup against Brentford, and pick up just two points from their last five Premier League games.

Bruce rested a number of players on Saturday night as his side lost 2-0 after extra time against Arsenal.

And after a number of players had to play 120 minutes, there will be some tired legs when they travel to Bramall Lane for a 6pm kick-off on Tuesday.

Callum Wilson could return for Newcastle at Bramall Lane.

Bruce is hopeful of bringing top scorer Callum Wilson back into the fold after leaving him out of the squad all together against the Gunners.

He said: "We’ll leave it with the medical people, and (he will) be ready for Tuesday.”

Jonjo Shelvey could also return after missing the game, though he faces a fight to get a starting place in the centre of midfield. Matty Longstaff has played well since his recall against Manchester City on Boxing day, and was an unused substitute at the weekend.

Longstaff is an almost certain starter. His brother Sean and Jeff Hendrick both played 120 minutes so could be rested, with either Shelvey or Isaac Hayden alongside Matty Longstaff in midfield.

Former Blades boss Steve Bruce, now manager of Newcastle United.

Hayden played the full game against Arsenal at centre half, and could be utilised there again at Bramall Lane, but defenders Federico Fernandez and Fabain Schar are available after missing the Emirates game and should slot in alongside Ciaran Clark in a three-man central defence, with skipper Jamaal Lascelles likely to miss out after only lasting 45 minutes on Saturday on his return from Covid-19 illness.

Goalkeeper Karl Darlow will return in goal and Bruce will choose from Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie and Jamal Lewis as left wing-back, and Jacob Murphy, DeAndre Yedlin or Emil Krafth on the opposite flank.

Bruce must decide whether striker Andy Carroll can start after his lung-busting efforts at the weekend, though Wilson's return means he will likely step back on to the bench if he maintains the same system of a sole central striker.