Derrick Williams to miss out for Robins
Bristol City defender Derrick Williams will again be missing for the visit of Newcastle and the biggest football crowd at Ashton Gate for 25 years.
Williams has featured only once this season - the EFL Cup win at Wycombe - and his shoulder complaint has not healed in time for a game expected to attract an attendance over 22,000.
Robins boss Lee Johnson has confirmed that both goalkeeper Frank Fielding and Korey Smith are progressing well after ankle problems, but neither are likely to be involved.
On-loan Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham and Jonathan Kodjia are again expected to link up in attack despite City drawing a blank for the first time this season in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat at Norwich.
Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic will be missing as he completes his four-match ban.
The Serbia international was sent off for the second time in the campaign in last season's final-day 5-1 Premier League victory over Tottenham, although his exile is now close to an end.
Manager Rafael Benitez had to do without midfielder duo Moussa Sissoko and Mohamed Diame for Wednesday night's 4-1 victory over Reading because of ankle injuries, although the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Sissoko's future on Tyneside means he is unlikely to be involved anyway.
Benitez shuffled his pack once again in midweek with skipper Jamaal Lascelles and Holland international Daryl Janmaat among those to drop to the bench, and he has signalled his intention to adapt his team to the needs of each game, so there could be further changes.
Source: PAR
