Eddie Howe to make FOUR changes? – Predicted Newcastle side to start vs Fulham today

After two weeks away, Premier League football is finally back this weekend, seeing Newcastle United face newly promoted Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Keeping injuries, recent form and today’s opposition in mind, here’s the starting 11 we think Eddie Howe might go with come 3pm:

(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Lascelles, Botman, Targett – Joelinton, S Longstaff, Guimaraes – Almiron, Wilson, Fraser.

Howe may have two defensive dilemmas going into this one. Does he start Lascelles over Schar – as he did at Anfield – to help deal with Mitrovic’s power and aerial prowess and will he opt for Burn or Botman?

The latter withdrew from international duty to focus on club football, with reports suggesting he was ‘frustrated and surprised’ to be left out of our draw with Bournemouth. As an imposing centre-back who’s barely lost an aerial duel all season, I fancy him to partner Lascelles at Fulham.

In midfield, I see Sean Longstaff returning in a deeper role, allowing Bruno Guimaraes to push further up the pitch alongside Joelinton. This would see Willock drop out, which isn’t ideal, but if Bruno is to operate in that preferred ‘No 8’ role, Longstaff is our only ‘No 6’ while Shelvey remains out.

In attack, Callum Wilson looks ready to return at just the right time, with injuries to Isak and Wood over the international break handing our No 9 the ideal opportunity to come back with a bang.

OUT: Schar, Burn, Willock, Isak – IN: Lascelles, Botman, Longstaff, Wilson.

Predicted Fulham XI: Leno – Tete, Adarabioyo, Ream, Kurzawa – Reed, Cairney – Willian, Pereira, Reid – Mitrovic.