Another huge game is on the horizon and there will be a few difficult decisions for Eddie Howe to make.
I would expect some rotation for this game and some unpopular decisions. Regardless of the team selected, we need to get three points.
Below we predict the possible starting eleven ahead of today’s 3pm kick off against Burnley:
Martin Duvbravka – There are no doubts here. Dubravka did make a mistake during the week, but he is our best goalkeeper and he needs to play in every game.
Javier Manquillo – It has been a mixed season for the Spaniard, as he has been in and out of the team. He was good during the week and he provides some balance to the team.#
Jamaal Lascelles – This won’t be a popular decision. Lascelles is our best defender in the air and Burnley provide a physical threat. Howe suggested that he would be brought back into the team during his pre match press conference.
Federico Fernandez – There was another hint in the press conference, as Howe suggested that Fernandez will be crucial in the coming weeks. He was excellent against Norwich and should get his first start under the new manager.
Jamal Lewis – It was a great display from Lewis, as he showed his work rate, athleticism and defensive awareness against Norwich. He is much better suited to the role than Matt Ritchie. Lewis needs to keep his place.
Ryan Fraser – Burnley’s 4-4-2 gives an opportunity for Howe to play his favoured system. Fraser was withdrawn early during the week, but he could keep his place in the team. He will be fresh and that could benefit the team.
Jonjo Shelvey – Like Lascelles, Howe has spoken highly of Jonjo Shelvey and his passing range is key, especially at home. If he plays like he did against Brentford and shows the work rate he had against Norwich, we could see an excellent performance.
Joe Willock – Some have criticised the performances of Joe Willock since his return on a permanent contract. However, he is one of the hardest workers in the team. He was the most frequent presser during the week, with 26 during the match. This is key to Howe’s approach.
Joelinton – The Brazilian has a lot of new fans in the North East, nobody more so than Eddie Howe. The new manager has spoken very highly of the player he has inherited and it would be a shock if he wasn’t in the team tomorrow. In fact, there would probably be an outcry among supporters and nobody expected that a few weeks ago.
Allan Saint-Maximin – The Frenchman was poor during the week, but he usually lights up the pitch against Burnley. This is a chance for him to play a starring role and he is due a match-winning performance.
Callum Wilson – The striker wore the captain’s armband during the week. This will be returned to Lascelles, but he will be the player that Howe is looking at for goals. He scored during the week and will be desperate for more on Saturday.
Ciaran Clark and Fabian Schar OUT, Federico Fernandez and Jamaal Lascelles IN?
