With today’s early kick-off at St James’ Park just a few hours away, it’s time to predict which side Eddie Howe will select to take on Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal at 12.30pm. Here’s what we’ve gone with and why…
Predicted XI: Pope – Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall – Longstaff, Tonali, Guimaraes – Gordon, Isak, Joelinton.
This is the toughest predicted XI of the season, with Howe facing a number of selection headaches and big calls to make after Wednesday’s big win, but we’re going for: Kelly, Krafth and Willock out, Burn, Livramento and Guimaraes in.
Starting at the back, I think Livramento was one of our better players at Chelsea last Sunday and doesn’t deserve to be ‘dropped’, so I expect him to return in Krafth’s place. Saying that, there’d be few complaints if the reliable and rock-solid Swede got another start!
Burn or Kelly is where it gets very tricky, as we benefited from Kelly’s pace and athleticism at times in midweek. However, I’ve got a feeling Howe will bring Burn back into the side, rightly or wrongly. The fact Arsenal are by far the best team from set pieces in the league could come into his thinking, as Burn’s 6ft 7′ frame could be needed.
Of all our midfield options, I’d be surprised if Willock started twice in four days given his lack of minutes so far this season, leaving room for a midfield three of Longstaff, Bruno and Tonali; who could interchange with Bruno between a No.6 and left-sided No.8.
That would leave room for Joelinton on the left wing once again, where he thrived in midweek and has the ability to support Hall in dealing with danger man Saka down Arsenal’s right. How do you see us lining up?
