Sunday’s clash with Spurs has to be one of the biggest we’ve seen at St James’ Park in many a season.
Just three points separates us in the top-four race, yet a win would take us SIX clear of the North London side with one game in hand. That is enough incentive, but we must also hold off the chasing pack, as a 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa (who have emerged as late contenders themselves) was followed by big wins for Brighton, Man Utd and Liverpool.
The question is, after such a poor performance last time out, what changes will Eddie Howe make for this weekend’s six-pointer? Personally, I can see only two – Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon out, Miguel Almiron and Sean Longstaff in.
Murphy has enjoyed a good run in the side, but now our top scorer is back from a thigh injury and ready to start, I see him returning. Not only does he offer pace, energy and an added goal threat, I believe his link up with Trippier – and the through ball Bruno often finds him with – can help terrorise an injury-hit Spurs defence.
As for Longstaff, we didn’t look the same in midfield without him, highlighting how much good work he gets through under the radar. His engine is second to none, offering a box-to-box option that wins second balls, shields our back four and keeps things ticking in midfield.
Gordon didn’t do nearly enough to keep his place at Villa Park, so I expect Joelinton to start on the left (Allan Saint-Maximin will be fit enough for the bench, at best) and Longstaff to return to a midfield three alongside Willock and Bruno.
There’s calls for Matt Targett to replace Dan Burn at left-back, which I understand after a few leggy displays from the big man from Blyth, but I don’t see Howe changing what’s been the best defence in the Premier League ahead of such a huge game.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Longstaff, Bruno, Willock – Almiron, Isak, Joelinton.
