Boxing Day is here and Newcastle United are first up, taking on Nuno Espirito Santo’s Nottingham Forest in the 12.30pm kick-off at St James’ Park.
Here’s the side we think Eddie Howe will go with and why:
Predicted XI: Dubravka – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Livramento – Miley, Bruno, Joelinton – Almiron, Isak, Gordon.
OUT: Lascelles, Burn, Longstaff, Wilson? IN: Botman, Livramento, Joelinton, Isak?
At the back, it feels like an easy decision to bring the fit-again Botman in for Lascelles, who is a major doubt after limping off at Luton. Schar looked a little uncomfortable late on and could be replaced by Burn if he’s carrying a knock, but I can see the Swiss starting alongside Sven for the first time in three months. It’d be nice to see both back playing together!
Livramento at left-back gives us a greater attacking outlet and I have a feeling Joelinton will return. He’d take Miley or Longstaff’s place and I think it might just be the latter who drops out if big Joe is OK, as he has looked a little off the pace since returning from an anke issue.
In attack, I fully expect Isak to replace Wilson from the off, as the Swede looked the sharper of the two on Saturday, with our number nine forced to play a lot of football over the past few weeks. Gordon and Miggy looked probably need a game off, but they’ll probably have to go again with Barnes and Murphy still sidelined.
