With our clash with Arsenal fast approaching, it’s time to predict what side Steve Bruce will select for today’s 2pm kick off at St James’ Park.
Keeping form, availability and last weekend’s late draw at Liverpool in mind, here’s the starting 11 and formation I can see us going with:
(5-3-2): Dubravka – Murphy, Fernandez, Clark, Dummett, Ritchie – S Longstaff, Shelvey (c), Almiron – Saint-Maximin, Wilson.
Joe Willock would’ve almost certainly come into the side had he been available, however he’s on loan from Arsenal and ineligible to play against his parent club.
This weekend the team practically picks itself – providing Matt Ritchie overcomes a calf injury. Bruce said in Friday’s presser that he was hopeful he’d be fine for this one, so we’re backing him to be OK.
The one and only change we’ve gone for from last weekend’s game at Anfield is Joelinton OUT, Wilson IN.
The Brazilian has scored in each of our last two home games against West Ham and Spurs, playing well in both, however he was wasteful at Liverpool.
That aside, Bruce practically admitted in Friday’s press conference that Wilson will come back in, stating the ‘time is right’ to give him starts after a series of substitute appearances.
How do you see us lining up against the Gunners?
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