Eddie Howe faces a few selection dilemmas ahead of Sunday’s huge clash with Man United, as Joelinton is back from a two-game ban and Anthony Gordon has recovered from an ankle injury.
Jacob Murphy and Allan Saint-Maximin started on either wing against Forest – although the latter was substituted at half-time with a tight hamstring and replaced by Elliot Anderson, who also comes into contention after changing the game at the City Ground.
So, with Miguel Almiron out, who will start from the five options above? Many may argue that we should not change a winning formula, and the Frenchman’s performance and link-up with Alexander Isak against Wolves could be huge for us in such an important game.
Murphy has also had a good run of form – perhaps his best in a Newcastle shirt – and it would certainly be harsh to drop him now while he is high on confidence. He created five chances against Forest; a Premier League high that weekend.
That said, Howe is clearly a huge fan of Joelinton’s physical presence and ability to track back, and he will also be keen to introduce Gordon into the team as our second most expensive signing.
We can’t rule out a rare start for Elliot Anderson, either. He seems more likely to brought off the bench to have a late impact, but his second half performance was outstanding two weeks ago, causing havoc down the left and having a perfectly good goal ruled out by VAR.
It would be the safe option to assume that Joelinton will be brought back in on the left with Murphy on the opposite flank, as I can’t see the Brazilian missing out or our midfield three changing. Then again, Saint-Maximin was our biggest threat when we last faced Man Utd, meaning we risk losing that spark in attack should ASM drop to the bench. Over to you, Eddie Howe!
