It’s matchday on Tyneside and time to predict the side Eddie Howe will select to face Arsenal at St James’ Park.
Here’s the XI we believe could start today’s 4.30pm kick-off against the Gunners:
(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Longstaff, Bruno, Willock – Murphy, Isak, Joelinton.
The back five picks itself at the minute, but Howe will be faced with a few selection dilemmas should Sean Longstaff be passed fit.
If he’s ready to play – we think he will be – I’m confident he starts alongside Bruno G and Joe Willock in midfield, with Joelinton continuing down our left; where he can cause Ben White havoc and also help Dan Burn cope with Bukayo Saka.
It could then be between Isak or Wilson and Murphy or Miggy for the final two spots in attack. I see our unplayable Swede keeping his place along with much-improved Murphy; although we could see Isak on the left and Wilson up top should Longstaff miss out (which would surely result in Joelinton dropping back into midfield).
Gordon remains an option, but he’s still learning how to play in our system and doesn’t look quite up to speed physically, so I can’t see him starting this one.
This is the match where we need to show our true credentials, make no mistake Arsenal are a very good side and we can’t afford to start slowly or be sloppy in and around the fullbacks and centre backs which we have been of late.
I don’t know wether this is a planned sacrifice or balancing act to be more productive up front but we need to be at our very best in all departments for the remaining games as everyone we play will be scrapping for points.
Think Wilson, Isak or both will start and whoever misses out will be introduced at some stage.
Joseph(Quote)