Ahead of our FA Cup clash at Hillsborough, it’s time to predict which side Eddie Howe will select to face Sheffield Wednesday tonight.
Keeping form, fitness and our busy schedule in mind, here’s the starting 11 we’re backing the NUFC boss to go with come 6pm:
(4-3-3): Dubravka – Manquillo, Lascelles, Botman, Lewis – Longstaff, Joelinton, Anderson – Murphy, Wood, Saint-Maximin.
It’s not like Eddie Howe to make so many changes – he’s largely stuck with the same side in recent weeks – but with three games in eight days and a massive cup quarter final to think about next Tuesday, this feels like the perfect time to rotate.
Dubravka has returned for game time and rarely let us down before Pope’s arrival, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he got the nod in goal.
At full-back, we probably need to wrap Burn and Trippier in cotton wool given our lack of depth down both flanks. Jamal Lewis is finally fit again and in a “good place” according to Howe, meaning he and Manquillo may be handed a rare chance to impress.
In central defence, I think Botman could start alongside Lascelles to help cope with their physicality. The club captain has been praised for his behind the scenes professionalism this week and could allow Schar to have a well deserved rest after playing every minute since returning from the World Cup.
In midfield, Willock limped off with cramp at Arsenal and Bruno – who also looked leggy on Tuesday – is another who needs to be protected. I can see Longstaff keeping his place alongside Joelinton, with Elliot Anderson starting alongside them in a midfield three.
Up top, this could be an ideal chance for Allan Saint-Maximin to show Howe what he’s been missing, with Chris Wood and Jacob Murphy in contention to replace Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron; two others who may be saved for next week’s double header at St James’ Park.
So, this would mean EIGHT changes, rests for Pope, Schar, Burn Trippier, Bruno, Willock, Almiron and Wilson, along with rare starts for Dubravka, Lascelles, Manquillo, Lewis and Anderson.
