For the first time this season, Eddie Howe made a change to his starting 11 last weekend before we lost 3-1 to Brighton at the Amex.
However, that change was enforced, as the injured Sven Botman was replaced by Matt Targett, seeing Dan Burn tuck in at centre-back.
Next Saturday, we face an in-form Brentford side and return to St James’ Park following three-straight defeats. Changes are expected after that dismal display at Brighton, but who could come in?
Here’s FIVE in contention ahead of next Saturday’s game:
1. Harvey Barnes
A Premier League proven winger who scored 13 league goals last season in a relegated Leicester side. He bagged a goal and an assist in in an impressive cameo against Aston Villa, but he’s yet to start any of our opening four games. I expect him to start – the question is, does Howe stand by Almiron or put Gordon on the right?
2. Callum Wilson
No player has a better goals to minutes record in the Premier League this season, as the striker has scored twice in 96 minutes of action so far. Our top scorer last term and a proven goal-getter. The issue is, where does Alexander Isak fit if our number nine starts?
3. Sean Longstaff
Often described as our unsung hero last season and the glue that keeps our midfield together, doing all of that dirty work that allows the likes of Bruno Guimaraes to shine. However, he wasn’t fully fit heading into the season and has lost his place to Sandro Tonali. If Howe wants added legs and protection in midfield, he could turn back to our local lad who rarely lets us down.
4. Elliot Anderson
With Joe Willock sidelined for another six weeks and Joelinton clearly not fully fit at Brighton, that left-sided midfield slot could be open for Anderson; our star performer over pre-season and someone many expected to start our opening day win over Aston Villa. Joelinton may return late from international duty with Brazil – they play in South America just a few days before Brighton – but a lot will depend on the ‘knock’ that has seen Anderson return early from Scotland duty.
5. Lewis Hall
Eddie Howe did say two weeks ago that our new left-back was “some way off” physically, bemoaning his lack of pre-season minutes with Chelsea. However, he’s training at the England camp over the international break and could give us a completely new dynamic down our left if he returns in good shape.
