Newcastle are back in Premier League action later today, facing off against Bournemouth at St James’ Park.
Keeping in mind injuries, form and tonight’s opponents, here’s what side I think Eddie Howe will go with against his former club:
Predicted XI – Dubravka – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Longstaff, Bruno, Miley – Almiron, Gordon, Barnes.
OUT: Wilson IN: Barnes?
It feels like the debate around the structure of our defence will not go away, even after Howe stood by “excellent” Dan Burn after he was once more exposed in the win over Forest.
The debate will continue over the left back position. But I believe Howe will stick with his first choice in Burn. The defender from Blyth is part of the leadership group and trusted among management, even if supporters have been crying out for Tino Livramento to play. Whether or not it is a sustainable position to take will be made clear in time.
Wilson and Isak both being out and Jacob Murphy failing to train means Harvey Barnes should start for the first time since returning from a long-term injury, with Anthony Gordon moving into the middle. It will certainly be interesting to see their combinations in the channels.
Almiron has struggled for form of late, but will have been buoyed by his lovely assist against Luton. The front three will be fluid and it should be expected that all three will switch positions during the match.
The midfield should remain unchanged, but Bruno is one yellow card away from suspension so is walking a tightrope. Joe Willock is “knocking on the door” for a return according to Howe, so is one to watch out for on the bench – I think it is too soon to see him back in the XI though. Willock hasn’t featured for the Toon since the reverse fixture against Bournemouth.
