Newcastle are back at it tomorrow evening with a tough match at Crystal Palace. Eddie Howe will likely alter his preferred eleven despite the revelation Bruno will be available.
Craig Hope is reporting on Twitter that the influential midfielder has recovered enough to make the trip to Selhurst Park which is outstanding news. Though Howe will most likely proceed with caution and save him as an impact sub.
Joelinton will likely slot into the midfield three with Sean Longstaff sitting deep. Howe’s decision could be down to starting either Allan Saint-Maximin or Alexander Isak with a potential change of shape.
I suspect Howe will go with Saint-Maximin in the familiar 4-3-3. The Frenchman was an automatic starter prior to his hamstring injury in August. Howe initially went with Saint-Maximin after Bruno’s removal against Fulham.
This is the team I am predicting Howe will name tomorrow with the lone, somewhat forced change. Isak and Guimaraes can potentially get a lengthy cameo depending on how the night unfolds.
Howe did throw out a scenario during his press conference this morning which alluded to Isak playing on the left. Howe stated Alex’s versatility was a primary factor in his capture and that he can play on the left; though he admitted it wasn’t his best position.
Returning Saint-Maximin back to the starting eleven could reignite the Frenchman, who hasn’t had much of an impact since returning from his injury. A league start could be just what he needs to rediscover his form, which would be a timely boost for the second half of the season.
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306 comments so far
ToonDarnSarf
Jan 20, 2023 at 6:54 PM
Comment #1I like the team but I’d like to see Isak start ahead of Wilson.
Nicky the ball tosser
Jan 20, 2023 at 6:56 PM
Comment #2Shelvey could quite easily become a cult hero at a club like Besiktas though. If the interest is real and the money good, as it so often is in Turkey, somehow, then he’d surely have to be very tempted.
cyprus
Jan 20, 2023 at 6:57 PM
Comment #3Taco
Put any guy in a Newcastle strip and he suddenly looks suave.
Exhibit 1: picture above.
Nicky the ball tosser
Jan 20, 2023 at 6:58 PM
Comment #4Wilson is the main man. Isak only starts ahead up top if he’s injured. Top centre forward Callum Wilson, and Howe rightly loves him.
Munster Mag
Jan 20, 2023 at 6:59 PM
Comment #5Tds, good luck tomorrow. Palace fans are ok, even if you had a geordie accent. Used to live in Croydonia.
cyprus
Jan 20, 2023 at 6:59 PM
Comment #6Neil
On that lineup, that’s exactly what I’d do too!
Eddie that’s two of us already mate, pencil it in.
Munster Mag
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:01 PM
Comment #7Cooking a new dish tonite. Can’t hold a candle to Tuff but will do my best I guess. No football tonite, played twice this week and hamstrings are saying hello. Zero Cruyff turns attempted, nobody injured with Zimmer. 🙂
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:04 PM
Comment #8Looks like Bruno is fit and travelled
Munster Mag
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:06 PM
Comment #9Palace fans saying we think we are the new Barca. I wonder are our fans getting cocky already. Hope not.
Question from a friend….besides Wood, can anyone think of any players who played for Leeds Nufc and Forest?
Munster Mag
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:06 PM
Comment #10Surely only as a sub Charlie?
Nicky the ball tosser
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:07 PM
Comment #11I’d actually take McTominay, a top starting left back, a replacement for Wood, and another wide attacker. Upgrades in these areas, and to me we are right up there.
Flurzinho
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:08 PM
Comment #12Gordon and DCL are massive no go for me.
Are they better than we have?
Simple answer no.
People need to stop believing every piece of bollocks posted by “so called” journalists.
I know people who used to work for the Chronicle who would post any old shite they heard in the pub.
Those 2 are not what we should be looking at.
gonufc (Andy O'Brien's Cracking Snoot)
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:09 PM
Comment #13I don’t care what DCL likes to do off the pitch (within reason of course!)- I don’t want him because he’s a poor finisher who has only had about 6 months of very good form in his career.
He’s very average.
Raj of Hailsley
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:11 PM
Comment #14I wish people would move away from the idea that Wood was bought to weaken Burnley. If Isak or Etikite had of been available we would have gone nowhere near Chris Wood and Burnley would have still gone flown as their time was up. Chris Wood was bought because he had a £25M release clause and could start against Watford three days later.
Raj of Hailsley
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:11 PM
Comment #15*down ?
ToonDarnSarf
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:11 PM
Comment #16Munster – been to Palace a few years ago for a Toon match with the same mate I’m meeting for a beer first. Will be interesting to hear what they think before and after.
Flurzinho
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:12 PM
Comment #17Nicky,
You say a top starting left back.
How would that player replace Burn?
Burn has a tremendous understanding with Botman.
Botman covers so many mistakes from the other defenders,he is unreal and an absolute steal at £35M.
Wor B
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:15 PM
Comment #18FPL
Ah ha, I’ve got 4 Arsenal players now that Trossard’s move has been confirmed!
I want to make a transfer, so probs be forced to jettison a gooner to enable it.
CLINT FLICK
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:15 PM
Comment #19We need to have Isak in the team.
His versatility is crucial.
Flurzinho
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:16 PM
Comment #20I would love for us to sign Alphonso Davies,but that sort of signing is not yet within our grasp.
CLINT FLICK
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:16 PM
Comment #21(Ro)botman!
CLINT FLICK
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:17 PM
Comment #22Flurz
Davies is everywhere!
Tenacious as…
A Geordie Mongrel
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:18 PM
Comment #23Had to pop out this afternoon, all caught up again.
Rom, Magic, Cleveleys, Sir R, many thanks for the kind words lads. It’ll take more than this to keep her down. Sir R, I needed something stronger than a beer mate. I’ve never been so worried or felt so helpless in my life. Apologies if I’ve missed anyone.
Very surprised to see that Bruno will be able to possibly play a part. I think Neil has the starting 11 right. Let Maxi run his socks off then sub him for Isak. Possibly bring Bruno on for Longstaff and test his ankle second half. Although I don’t imagine Eddie will take chances with his prized asset.
Flurzinho
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:19 PM
Comment #24Isak will be our main striker for a good while.
Is he 100% for a full game?
Probably not,so I think Wilson starts.
If Maxi is still not 100%(is he ever?).
Isak could start left forward.
Flurzinho
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:21 PM
Comment #25Clint,
If we could sign him it would be unbelievable, he can play left back, left midfield and left wing.
Mandy get him signed now!
CLINT FLICK
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:22 PM
Comment #26Flurz
I’d start with Isak, Maxi sub.
Simply because that’s the he way round it’s gonna be… Isak is a starter.
CLINT FLICK
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:23 PM
Comment #27Flurz
Yea, he’s all over a game, like a rash.
Love his attitude, energy etc got skill too.
Flurzinho
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:25 PM
Comment #28Clint,
I get where you are coming from brother, but 4 months out for Isak and putting him in for a hard away game from the start is a big risk, especially now Wood has left.
If we lose Wilson and Isak in the same game that would be catastrophic.
CLINT FLICK
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:25 PM
Comment #29Wonder if Bruno gets on?
CLINT FLICK
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:27 PM
Comment #30Part of his toughening up, mate.
He looks hungry.
50 Cal with another overhead?
The Taco Taker
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:28 PM
Comment #31That is exactly the same line up as I said a few hours ago. Realistically there are only two possible changes to that:
– Isak instead of Wilson but I doubt that Howe will choose that just yet.
– Murphy instead of Maxi but that would surely signal the beginning of the end for Maxi.
Flurzinho
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:31 PM
Comment #32Clint,
You really are a card mate, if only everything was so perfect!
We would both be playing for the Toon.
HWTL
A Geordie Mongrel
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:31 PM
Comment #33Munster, Frank Clark played for us then Forest. Won silverware with Forest too, European cup twice! Also managed and then became Chairman. Outstanding fullback.
Another possibility, leave Maxi on, sub Willock for Isak, Longstaff for Bruno and go 4 4 2.
CLINT FLICK
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:32 PM
Comment #34Flurz
I also see your point, mate.
And your, cautious approach may be the one taken by Eddie.
The Taco Taker
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:32 PM
Comment #35As I posted earlier, I cannot see Howe starting Wilson and Isak, given Wood has gone he won’t take that risk. I would put money on that.
It has to be one of Wilson/Isak to start up front and one of Maxi/Murphy on the left.
CLINT FLICK
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:36 PM
Comment #36Flurz
Sweet mate.
Howay the Lads/Lasses!
😀
The Taco Taker
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:46 PM
Comment #37Wor B@18 – I faced that exact same issue FPL wise, I ditched Trossard as I doubt he will play vs Man U.
Nicky the ball tosser
Jan 20, 2023 at 7:52 PM
Comment #38Yeah, we all of course love Dan Burn, but he’s definitely a centre back my mind. I’d prefer to see him competing there, with a Trippier level starting left back brought in, and Targett for cover, next term.
Ap
Jan 20, 2023 at 8:04 PM
Comment #39Juventus hearing decision imminent for the corruption case
catchy in norway
Jan 20, 2023 at 8:06 PM
Comment #40https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZWdM6u7Guk
wor mandy song