The NUFC XI that looks set to start vs Bournemouth after 3 first-team players are ruled out

With Fabian Schar banned and Jamaal Lascelles ruled out by Rafa, there will be a few tweaks to the Newcastle side that beat Everton 3-2 last weekend.

I can see one of the following two sides starting against the Cherries tomorrow:

Team 1 – (3-4-2-1): Dubravka – Fernandez, Lejeune, Dummett – Yedlin, Shelvey, Hayden, Ritchie – Perez, Almiron – Rondon.

Team 2 – (4-2-3-1): Dubravka – Yedlin, Fernandez, Lejeune, Dummett – Shelvey, Hayden – Ritchie, Perez, Almiron – Rondon.

So, the 11 players I’m backing to start don’t change in either team, but I can’t quite decide if Rafa will stick with 5 at the back of revert to a 4 man defence.

I expect Federico Fernandez to play and it would not surprise me if Rafa brought in Dummett at left-back, went back to a 4-2-3-1 and then paired the the Argentinian alongside Lejeune at centre-back – meaning Ritchie could be deployed further forward.

I’d like to see Fernandez return – a player who was one of our top performers earlier in the season and someone who must feel hard done by after a recent drop down to the bench. Clark is also back, a player who’s done well when called upon, but I’d be very surprised if the side didn’t include Dummett – whether it be at the left-side of a three-man defence or at left-back in a flat back four.

In midfield I’d be surprised if Ki played after his lacklustre display against Everton. Shelvey will be knocking on the door after changing the game against the Toffees, while big Mo needs starts and quickly if he’s going to get this one-year extension (something which will be triggered after THREE more starts by all accounts).

What do you see tomorrow’s line-up being with Schar and Lascelles ruled out?

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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