Premier League football is finally back after the two-week international break. Ahead of today’s 3pm kick-off at St James’ Park, here’s the Newcastle side we’re backing Eddie Howe to go with and why:
(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Livramento – Willock, Guimaraes, Joelinton – Almiron, Isak, Gordon.
OUT: Hall, Miley, Longstaff? IN: Livramento, Guimaraes, Isak?
Most of the team picks itself given the injuries and fact Schar, Almiron and Isak are expected to be passed fit, but it’ll be interesting to see if it’s Trippier or Livramento at left-back, with one of the two certain to fill in with Burn, Targett and Hall all missing.
Bruno Guimaraes returns from a ban midfield and a lot depends on Longstaff’s late fitness test. If he’s unable to play, it’ll surely be Bruno, Joelinton and Willock, although it’s tough to say who’ll drop out if Longstaff can recover in time from a swollen ankle.
In attack, Isak is our only fit striker, Gordon is our only fit left winger and Almiron is our only fit right-winger! With PSG to come early next week, let’s hope all three come through this one OK.
