Ahead of tonight’s 5.30pm kick-off at St James’ Park, it’s time to predict which side Eddie Howe will go with to take on Arsenal.
Based on form, injuries and Wednesday’s 3-0 win over Man Utd, here’s our predicted XI and why:
(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Burn – Longstaff, Bruno, Joelinton – Almiron, Wilson, Gordon.
OUT: Dubravka, Livramento, Krafth, Dummett, Hall, Willock, Targett IN: Pope, Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Burn, Bruno, Wilson.
I expect all of those who were rested on Wednesday night to return here, meaning Pope, Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Burn, Bruno and Wilson should come back into the side.
There’ll be a temptation to reward Livramento and/or Hall after both performed superbly in midweek, but this is a defence that’s kept four clean sheets in our last six league games. Their time will come again soon in the coming weeks.
In midfield, I don’t think Willock will start two games four days after his first start in six months, so it could be Joelinton alongside Bruno and Longstaff, with Callum Wilson returning up top after a rest.
Personally I think Willock and Joelinton combination offer more cover for Burn and a greater threat going forward.
Wilson is ok but not great as he lacks some mobility now, I would be tempted to use Gordon at Centre forward who has pace aplenty and much more movement.
Joseph(Quote)