Ahead of today’s clash with Aston Villa, it’s time to predict what side Eddie Howe will go with at St James’ Park this afteroon.
Keeping form, fitness, today’s opposition and last week’s 3-1 win over Everton in mind, here’s the 11 we can see starting come 2pm…
(4-3-3): Dubravka – Manquillo, Lascelles, Schar, Burn – Willock, Shelvey, Joelinton – Fraser, Wood, Saint-Maximin.
Martin Dubravka – Another solid display in midweek and set to keep his place, with Howe denying claims that he was offered to Man Utd in a deadline day deal involving Dean Henderson.
Javier Manquillo – Trippier has a calf injury and wasn’t spotted in training on Friday. I really hope he can pass a late fitness test, but see the reliable Manquillo having to come in instead.
Jamaal Lascelles – Made up for the own goal with that equaliser against Everton and put in a very steady display. Let’s hope he can maintain that level in this one.
Fabian Schar – Looked to be carrying a knock early on in Tuesday’s game, but came through OK in the end and built on that superb performance at Leeds.
Dan Burn – With Targett ineligible against his parent club, Dummett not fit and Lewis left out of the 25-man squad, I’m expecting the Geordie giant to make his debut here. If Trippier is fit, however, we may see Manquillo at LB.
Joe Willock – Grew into the game in midweek and was superb in that second half, carrying the ball well and pressing from first minute to last. Howe may be tempted by Guimaraes, but I’m not sure he’ll change a winning side or leave out a player finally getting his confidence back!
Jonjo Shelvey – One of the first names on the teamsheet under the new boss, it seems. Has put in disciplined displays in each of our last two and will need to do the same here against an energetic Villa side full of industry and ideas in midfield.
Joelinton – Wasn’t spectacular against Everton, but still gives us that presence and non-stop running that we’ve often lacked in the middle of the park. Needs to improve in the final third, however his main role could be to disrupt the likes of Coutinho or Ramsey at the other end!
Ryan Fraser – Got the goal he deserved on Tuesday and is becoming a key player under Howe, with his energy and pressing second to none. Hopefully he can build on this now.
Chris Wood – Needs a goal and hasn’t posed enough of a threat so far, but Howe has talked up his physical presence and the dirty work he’s doing to allow others around him to shine.
Allan Saint-Maximin – As he proved a few days ago, he is the difference maker in this side. Matty Cash will be a tough opponent for him on Sunday, however he has the beating of most defenders in world football if he’s at his brilliant best!
Predicted Aston Villa XI (4-4-1-1): Martinez – Cash, Chambers, Mings, Digne – McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Ramsey – Watkins, Ings, Coutinho.
With this squad, Newcastle will lose to Aston Villa. It was really silly not to let Bruno kick in the first place.
Daniel(Quote)
Bear in mind Burn is a left sided centre back not gifted with much pace. Traore gave him a whole new perspective on chasing shadows when Burn played left back against Wolves
Chris(Quote)
“Jonjo Shelvey – One of the first names on the teamsheet under the new boss, it seems. Has put in disciplined displays in each of our last two”.
Considering the game I watched against Everton, Shelvey was lucky not to be Sent Off for the tackle on Anthony Gordon, Disciplined is the last word I would use.
Pint of whatever Olly was drinking, please.
Colin(Quote)