As we build up to tonight’s 8.15pm kick-off at St James’ Park, it’s time to predict what side Eddie Howe will select against Thomas Frank’s Tottenham.
It’s a tricky XI to predict, as there will be a temptation to go with the same side that beat Everton 4-1 over the weekend, but also the consideration to rotate as we face four games in the next 12 days in this hectic month of December.
With all of that in mind, here is the 11 I’m backing Eddie Howe to go with and why…
Predicted line-up
(4-3-3): Ramsdale – Livramento, Thiaw, Burn, Hall – Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton – Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon.
OUT: Miley and Barnes. IN: Tonali and Gordon.
Before anyone sees this and rushes to the comments asking why on earth Harvey Barnes and Lewis Miley have been ‘dropped’, let me explain my rationale.
I think both will start against Burnley, but expect Howe to bring Sandro Tonali back into the side after he got a rest at Everton, and also think this is a game well-suited to Anthony Gordon, who will be itching for minutes.
Barnes started his third straight game in seven days last weekend, so bringing a fresh Gordon in for Spurs could be a good way to keep both sharp.
Jacob Murphy may well return to Howe’s XI, but I fancy Elanga for two reasons. 1) He needs to build momentum after his best display for the club over the weekend and 2) I think Burnley on Saturday suits Murphy better.
Joelinton has also been superb in our last two league games against Man City and Everton, and again I feel this is a game that he can thrive in, allowing him to drop down to the bench against Burnley.
At the back, I think Howe will keep things the same, resisting the temptation to bring Schar back in for Burn. The latter’s leadership and ability to organise a defence seems to be valued by Howe, and will come in handy with Pope and Trippier both out.
One change I was tempted to suggest was Joe Willock coming into the XI, as he was superb for much of that game in Marseill last week but didn’t start against Everton. However, I think he and Jacob Ramsey are more likely to start against Burnley on Saturday or at Bayer Leverkusen next week.
