Premier League football is back at St James’ Park and it’s another early kick-off, where Newcastle United take on Tottenham. Here’s the side I think Eddie Howe will go with and why…
Predicted XI: Dubravka – Krafth, Schar, Burn, Hall – Longstaff, Bruno, Anderson – Gordon, Isak, Barnes.
I’m going for two changes from our 1-0 win at Fulham, seeing Elliot Anderson and Harvey Barnes replace Joe Willock and Jacob Murphy.
Anderson deserves a start, Willock (Achilles) is unlikely to feature, Murphy hasn’t really taken his chance lately and a front three of Barnes, Isak and Gordon could do damage against an open Spurs side that plays a high line.
Hall was described as a ‘doubt’ and hasn’t trained this week, said Howe, but the boss said something similar before Fulham and he started at Craven Cottage. I’m hopeful loan-to-buy left-back will be OK.
If a quad issue does keep him out, it could be any of Burn, Dummett, Ritchie or A. Murphy down the left. Hardly an inspiring list given Spurs’ quality and pace in wide areas!
I’m in two minds if Barnes gets the start, don’t get me wrong, he fully deserves it, I just think Howe currently prefers Murphy’s tracking back especially with our makeshift back 4. If we play Barnes I fully expect its because we’re going with the Keegan approach of we win if we score more than them. I will say though that I think Dubs has to be at his best For us to have a chance.
I don’t rate spurs way of play and think they’re lucky to be where they are but they can definitely score goals especially against our broken and battered defence.
I’d be surprised if there’s less than 4 goals today (if I’m being honest 8 wouldn’t surprise me) should be a good game for the neutral at least 😅
Sean(Quote)