The final game before the international break sees Newcastle travel to the Vitality to take on Bournemouth.
Keeping in mind injuries, suspension and Tuesday’s defeat in Dortmund, Here’s the side I can see Howe going with later on today:
(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Hall – Longstaff, Joelinton, Willock – Livramento, Gordon, Almiron.
OUT: Wilson and Guimaraes. IN: Gordon and Almiron.
A lot will depend on whether or not Wilson passes a late fitness test. Personally I will be surprised if Howe risks him. While Isak is out, he is needed up top and our only other out and out striker, but it would be a big gamble to play someone with his history of hamstring injuries ahead of a hectic run of fixtures between now and the New Year.
With this in mind, I think we’ll see Gordon as a false nine, Almiron on the left, Livramento on the right, a midfield trio of Longstaff, Joelinton and Willock, with Trippier and Hall at full-back and Lascelles alongside Schar at centre-back.
Starting Willock twice in a week may not be an option after his recent return from a long-term injury, meaning Miley or Hall could be used in midfield. If that happens, Livramento could move back to full-back and Joelinton into a more attacking role out wide.
