As we build up to kick-off at St James’ Park, it’s time to predict which side Eddie Howe will select to take on Leicester tonight.
Keeping injuries, form and tonight’s opponents in mind, here’s the team I’m expecting to see:
(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Anderson, Bruno, Joelinton – Almiron, Wilson, Isak.
Willock’s season is surely over after that hamstring injury last week, creating the perfect opportunity for Anderson. He did a good job from the bench, has waited patiently and was talked up by Howe in his pre-Leicester presser, so I can see the 20-year-old coming in for this one.
Other injuries will dictate a lot – it remains to be seen if the likes of Trippier and Joelinton are OK to play. However, both are machines and our two bionic men, so I am fairly confident they’ll be fine.
It’s our understanding that Murphy will be back in the squad after overcoming a groin problem, but I expect Almiron to keep his place down the right after a brilliant display – both in and out of possession – against Brighton.
Longstaff took some part in training over the weekend, but I’d be surprised if we took any risks with him, especially when Anderson seems ready to show us what he’s all about after a host of promising cameos.
