£55m trio to start and Wilson back on bench? – Predicted Newcastle team vs Man Utd

Ahead of tonight’s 8pm kick-off at Old Trafford, it’s time to predict which side Eddie Howe will select against Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd.

For once, Howe has a number of selection headaches, with Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Joelinton and Miguel Almiron all fit again, while Fabian Schar is facing a late fitness test after “making really good progress” from a hamstring injury.

It’s not a simple decision, however. While there’s a clear temptation to recall so many of our big guns who we’ve missed in recent months, Howe is wary of rushing them back too soon.

With all of the above in mind, coupled with the importance of tonight’s European six-pointer, here’s the side I think he’ll go with and why:

Predicted XI (4-3-3): Dubravka – Trippier, Schar, Burn, Hall – Longstaff, Bruno, Anderson – Gordon, Isak, Joelinton. 

OUT: Krafth, Livramento, Murphy. IN: Schar, Trippier, Joelinton?

In goal, I’ve chopped and changed my mind all week. We’re a different side with Pope in the team, but I think he’ll play it safe given the nature of his injury.

I expect Trippier to return at right-back, as his experience, calmness in possession and know-how to deal with Alejandro Garnacho could be key. It’s a little harsh on Tino Livramento, but he was caught out a few times last weekend and Lewis Hall has been performing superbly at left-back.

The same midfield three would reward Elliot Anderson for another all-action display in the 1-1 draw with Brighton, but I think our left-side will be beefed up by Joelinton, who started on the left wing when we beat Man Utd 3-0 in last year’s Carabao Cup win.

That would then allow the two-footed Anthony Gordon to start down the right ahead of Jacob Murphy, offering protection to Trippier and the pace to track Diogo Dalot, with Alexander Isak up top in the hope he’s recovered from illness.

Starting Isak and Wilson up top would be very brave and may leave our midfield a little light, so I think our No 9 will start on a strong bench that could feature him, Harvey Barnes and Miguel Almiron.

How do you see us lining up? Comment below with your predicted (or preferred) starting 11s.