Eddie Howe looks set to stick with Jamal Lewis and Federico Fernandez following their solid displays in Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with Norwich.
This is according to the Northern Echo’s chief writer Scott Wilson, who claims that both are set to start in Saturday’s must-win clash with Burnley at St James’ Park.
Both players received huge praise from Howe after the game, and it’s claimed he’s already seen enough to believe they should keep their places in the side – despite the fact Lascelles and Ritchie are back from suspension.
Fernandez was actually named on the bench initially, but was a man mountain at the back for 80 minutes as we reshuffled the pack following Clark’s ninth minute dismissal.
That was his first appearance since a 2-1 defeat at Wolves back on October 2nd, while Lewis’ wait for game time had been even loner.
The Northern Ireland international had only played six minutes all season prior to Tuesday’s run out against his former club, with Lewis’ last appearance coming as he came on for the final few moments of a 4-1 defeat at Man Utd back in September.
If this is true, let’s hope Fernandez puts in another colossal display against a Burnley side who like to get it wide and throw balls into the box.
As for Lewis, he’ll need to not only stop crosses, but stay switched on at the back post and try to get forward at the other end, with him often denied the chance to get forward in midweek.
