Howe to make 5 changes? – Predicted Newcastle side to start vs Norwich

Our biggest game of the season and the nerves are starting to build.

Eddie Howe has spoken to the media, confirming that there are no new injury concerns for the match against Norwich City. Matt Ritchie and Jamaal Lascelles will be suspended, but it is hoped Dwight Gayle will be back in the squad.

The corresponding fixture in our Championship winning season will provide a lot of good memories for Gayle, so maybe it will be good to have him on the bench in case we need a late goal.

Below, we predict the starting eleven for tonight’s match:

Martin Dubravka – It was great to see him back in the team at the weekend and he showed why he needs to be the number one. He made some key saves and had excellent control of his area. 

Fabian Schar – The centre back is good at building attacks from deep. We are likely to dominate possession on Tuesday, so having his vision at the back could help break Norwich down. He played on the left at the weekend, but he is likely to be put back on his favoured side.

Federico Fernandez – There have been calls for the Argentine to be recalled to the team for weeks. His absence has annoyed some supporters, who believe he is the best defender in the squad. His lack of mobility is a concern, which is why he needs to start in the centre of the back three. Without Lascelles, his leadership will be vital.

Ciaran Clark – Until Paul Dummett is back, we have a lack of options on the left of our back three. Schar looked okay there, but he is better suited to playing on the right. Clark really doesn’t convince, but he might be the only option unless Emil Krafth plays on the right and Schar on the left.

Jacob Murphy – There are big problems in Murphy’s defensive game. However, he is an excellent presser and very good at providing width down the right. He played well against Arsenal after coming on. We need to win this game, therefore an attacking line up is expected. 

Jonjo Shelvey – He is Eddie Howe’s first name on the team sheet at the moment. Shelvey’s creativity will be key in breaking down a determined Norwich side. A similar performance to Brentford is what we need from the stand-in skipper.

Isaac Hayden – This is a position I have some doubt over. There may be a thought to bring Isaac Hayden back into the team to provide some cover to the back three. He doesn’t have the passing ability to thrive under Howe, but we were too open against Brentford. This might be something he does to balance the team.

Jamal Lewis – This isn’t a definite for Lewis. Ryan Fraser did play as left wing-back against Arsenal after Matt Ritchie was taken off. That said, Lewis has the athleticism and on-ball ability to thrive in this system. If he does start, he will have a point to prove against his former club.

Joelinton – If we move back to 3-4-3 as expected, Joelinton needs to be retained in the team. He was excellent against Brentford and this is a similar type of game. Against Arsenal, he wasn’t as effective in a central role.

Callum Wilson – There are no doubts that Wilson will be in the team. He is due a goal and he will be desperate to play a match-winning role here. One worry is that he is on four yellow cards. Hopefully he avoids a fifth on Tuesday, as we need him available for Burnley. 

Allan Saint-Maximin – These are the types of games where we need Saint-Maximin to deliver. He has been a bit of a flat track bully since joining us, with his best performances coming against bottom half teams. Hopefully, we get 10 match-winning displays between now and the end of the season. The first coming on Tuesday. 

Lascelles, Krafth, Ritchie, Fraser and Willock OUT, Fernandez, Clark, Lewis, Murphy and Hayden IN?