In today's Newcastle United roundup, we take a look at what news has been doing the rounds for the Magpies. James Maddison is a doubt for Leicester City ahead of this weekend's fixture between the two, Miguel Almiron is set to be axed after poor displays so far, and Kevin Nolan is excited to see Andy Carroll and Joelinton play together.

Maddison a doubt

Report: As reported by the Leicester Mercury, Foxes star Maddison could miss the game against the Magpies this weekend. The Englishman picked up a knock during the League Cup tie against Luton Town in midweek, and as a result, Brendan Rogers may be forced to rest him.

Assistant manager Craig Davies said: "Madders, he got a knock on his ankle. He looks a doubt for the weekend. We’ll see how he goes and how he recovers next week.”

Verdict: It will be music to the ears of Newcastle fans to hear that Maddison may miss the clash. The 22-year-old has been one of the league's standout talents so far, scoring a beautiful winner against Tottenham Hotspur last week and averaging a performance rating of 7.42 so far.

Not just has the ex-Norwich City man been in such fantastic form so far, but Newcastle have also struggled defensively. Steve Bruce's side sit just outside of the drop zone by a point and have conceded eight goals in the six games in the league.

Considering the current defensive woes and Maddison's great form, fans of the black and white army will surely be buzzing to hear this news.

Almiron faces the axe

Report: According to the Daily Star, Almiron is set to dropped, as Bruce looks set to ring the changes against Leicester. It will be the first time the 25-year-old has been left out of the side since signing in January.

Verdict: Currently, this is yet another transfer for Newcastle that has just not worked out. Almiron signed for the club at a then-record fee of £20m but has struggled throughout his time at St. James' Park.

The Paraguayan has played 16 games so far for the Magpies and has not yet registered a single goal or assist, averaging a key pass rate of just 0.3 this season (as per WhoScored). It is slightly worrying to see Almiron in such poor form, considering he came from Atlanta United fresh from playing a major role in helping the club win the MLS Cup, by scoring 13 goals and providing 11 assists in 37 games.

Furthermore, with Matt Richie and Allan Saint-Maximin currently out injured, dropping the former Atlanta man on the right may not come at a good time, with Javier Manquillo the only alternative and he is more of suited for the right-back slot.

'They'll be a nightmare for any defence', says Nolan

Andy Carroll celebrates scoring for Newcastle

Report: Former Newcastle striker Nolan suggests that once Carroll is fit, he and Joelinton could cause major problems for Premier League defences.

He told the Sky Sports Football Centre (as cited by TBR football): “I think the more and more this lad (Carroll) gets fit and the more he is able to start games, I think you might see him and Joelinton working together as a front two because it will certainly help him and it will certainly help Joelinton out too. And believe me, they’ll be a nightmare for any defence.”

Verdict: Andy Carroll played his first game as a Newcastle player last week, seeing eight minutes in the goalless draw against Brighton & Hove Albion, and although it may be a while before he starts (as the Telegraph reports), when he does, it could be a powerful combination for the club up top with Joelinton alongside him.

Bruce's men have struggled for goals so far bagging just four times in six games in the Premier League – the joint lowest in the competition. And, each of Newcastle's top scorers are on just one goal, with nobody having stamped their authority on the side as of yet.

However, as Carrol proved before he left for Liverpool, he can score in the black and white. The Englishman netted 33 goals in 91 appearances for his boyhood club, and if he can find that form he had eight years ago, maybe he and Joelinton can lift Newcastle away from the drop zone.