Ahead of tonight’s clash with Crystal Palace at St James’ Park, it’s time to predict what side Eddie Howe will select to face Patrick Vieira’s side.
Ryan Fraser has been ruled out after club doctors requested a second scan on his hamstring, while Kieran Trippier (foot) and Callum Wilson (calf/achilles) will also be missing once again
Keeping all of the above in mind, here’s the 11 we can see starting come 7.45pm tonight:
(4-3-3): Dubravka – Krafth, Schar, Burn, Targett – Guimaraes, Shelvey, Willock – Almiron, Wood, Saint-Maximin.
OUT: Joelinton IN: Joe Willock
Martin Dubravka – Had so little to do against Leicester but will be keen to add another clean sheet to his tally this time.
Emil Krafth – If it wasn’t for Guimaraes’ brace, he might’ve come away with the man of the match award on Sunday. While Trippier is out, it seems he’s now Howe’s No 1 choice at right-back and deservedly so. He was ill last week, however, so hopefully he’s fully recovered.
Fabian Schar – I keep wondering when Howe will give Lascelles a chance, but it’s hard to see him splitting up Schar and Burn, especially when the former helps us get on the front foot at home.
Dan Burn – Another solid display on Sunday, with him recovering from an awkward clash with Dubravka in the opening stages.
Matt Targett – Was one of several unsung heroes over the weekend, defending well and playing a lovely ball down the line for Willock to help set up our stoppage time winner. Will be keen to keep impressing to make sure he lands a permanent move in the summer!
Bruno Guimaraes – Has looked every bit a £35m player and Brazilian international in his last two home starts, not only scoring twice but showing his quality on and off the ball.
Jonjo Shelvey – Had a quiet game in some respects against Leicester, yet it proved how much he’s worked on the ugly side of football, with his closing down and breaking up of play helping us get over the line.
Joe Willock – I may be wrong, but Joelinton has looked a shade below his best over the past few weeks, so this could be the night where Howe gives Willock a start; especially when he had such a positive impact from the bench on Sunday.
Miguel Almiron – Ran himself into the ground over the weekend and showed flashes of South American flare on the ball, even if his end product remains a problem. While Fraser remains out, he looks likely to keep his place as Murphy did little to impress during his short cameo.
Allan Saint-Maximin – Needs a goal for his confidence and could get some joy in this one, with Palace’s right-back options (Clyne and Ward) both likely to be left for dead by the Frenchman. Really hope the ASM we all know and love turns up here!
Chris Wood – Was taken off in the 69th minute against the Foxes in a game he struggled to get into. However, he still gives us the focal point up top and does the dirty work so well, so I’d be surprised if Gayle – who looked bright from the bench on Sunday – gets a rare start instead.
