Two weeks on from our trip to Wembley, Premier League action returns to St James’ Park as we take on Wolves
Here’s the side we’re backing Eddie Howe to select ahead of today’s 4.30pm kick off:
(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Longstaff, Bruno, Willock – Almiron, Isak, Saint-Maximin.
OUT: Lascelles, Joelinton (suspended), Gordon, Wilson. IN: Schar, Willock, Saint-Maximin, Isak.
Howe has three of four big decisions to make this weekend. Who starts in attack after more missed chances against Man City and does he change it at left-back now Matt Targett is fit again?
At the back, I think Dan Burn will keep his place over Matt Targett for now. It could restrict us going forward, but Howe may be reluctant to tweak what’s been a very solid defence or throw Targett straight in for such a huge game after several months without a Premier League start. I do think Fabian Schar will return to the side at Jamaal Lascelles’ expense. A tough one for the skipper – who was very rock solid at Man City – but Schar’s quality and confidence on the ball could be key against an improved Wolves side.
It’s an easy switch in midfield, as Joe Willock will almost certainly replace the suspended Joelinton. Big Joe’s physicality will be missed against a tough Wolves engine room, but Willock’s ability to carry the ball at speed and arrive into the box could hurt them.
Out wide, I’d expect Allan Saint-Maximin to return. He often comes alive at St James’ Park and scored a stunning equaliser to salvage a draw at Molineux earlier in the season. Personally, I would like to see Miguel Almiron rested and Anthony Gordon keep his place, but Howe may be reluctant to make too many changes – not to mention the latter wasn’t spotted in training photos earlier this week.
Up top, will Howe stay loyal to Callum Wilson or give Alexander Isak a chance from the off? He admitted the latter isn’t ready to play 90 minutes on a ‘consistent basis’ just yet, suggesting he’s still building up match fitness. However, Isak has looked sharper than Wilson for several weeks now and has to start, for me.
