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
sparky55
Jan 21, 2023 at 9:10 AM
Comment #241Nadj…always a pleasure mate…and make sure every day’s a learning day so you can leave home quicker!
Wor B
Jan 21, 2023 at 9:11 AM
Comment #242Next step, learn how to do this
sparky55
Jan 21, 2023 at 9:14 AM
Comment #243Wow Wor B…confucious he say Wor B is nearly ready to leave home!
Vask
Jan 21, 2023 at 9:17 AM
Comment #244morning WorB
Vask
Jan 21, 2023 at 9:19 AM
Comment #245Silicone valley here I come! 😀
Bills Son Is Back
Jan 21, 2023 at 9:22 AM
Comment #246Jail
That was a spot on post about Wood in the last article.
You are dead right that it was good business for a net £8/9M to get a CF who defo played his part in the grandstand finish to last season.
I posted after his miss against Sheff Wed that I thought it might be his last game for the club. He could have got pelters from the crowd if he missed another sitter at SJP.
Instead, I think he’ll get a big round of appreciation if he returns. One thing all of us agree on, whether we feel he did well or not, is that he gave his all and did the best he could. Us Toon fans appreciate that as much as anything.
sparky55
Jan 21, 2023 at 9:22 AM
Comment #247Weve got some reet braniacs on here this morning…mint! 🙂 🙂
Ps…thats the best I can do!
Wor B
Jan 21, 2023 at 9:23 AM
Comment #248Once I’m out of these pesky slip-on shoes and elasticated waists, the world will be mine! Mmmmuahahaha
Bills Son Is Back
Jan 21, 2023 at 9:27 AM
Comment #249Amazing to think…
If we win today and Lpool and Chelsea draw we’ll have 41pts and they’ll both have just 29.
As a ‘who would have believed’ that at the start of the season statement it takes some beating.
And, we are only half way through the season.
JohnJ
Jan 21, 2023 at 9:29 AM
Comment #250Bills,
I also thought that Wood’s miss against Sheffield Wednesday in the cup was a defining point. I think had he scored then it may have been a different outcome.
But I, for one, wish Wood all the best in the future and say thanks for your efforts and goals in a NUFC shirt.
Bills Son Is Back
Jan 21, 2023 at 9:32 AM
Comment #251And…
If Fulham beat or hold Spurs to a draw and we win we’ll be 7 or 8pts ahead of Spurs with a game in hand. Win that and it’s 10 or 11pts ahead.
Ifs and buts but still blinking amazing.
Munster Mag
Jan 21, 2023 at 9:34 AM
Comment #252Another day another match….for my 13s 🙁
Wanna have a lie in sometime!
Not another deJong
Jan 21, 2023 at 9:35 AM
Comment #253Deep down in my gut, I just wanna beat ManU
Munster Mag
Jan 21, 2023 at 9:36 AM
Comment #254Bills it might be Brighton who are the big threat, though I’m not sure of points etc
sparky55
Jan 21, 2023 at 9:42 AM
Comment #255Its a changing of the guard…and we’re marching towards the keep ready to show them the door!
…and they never saw us coming so quick!
#Lovingit
Ap
Jan 21, 2023 at 10:03 AM
Comment #256Disgraceful
https://twitter.com/POLITlCSUK/status/1616401537621790720?s=20&t=iW6EWeaJ2q7mpaCTujtQCA
Regan
Jan 21, 2023 at 10:12 AM
Comment #257I’m on the bandwagon..
Eggs Benedict for me this morning..
3..1 to the toon..
HWTL
DrGloom
Jan 21, 2023 at 10:23 AM
Comment #258Was thinking of watching the lunchtime kickoff game today but just saw its between two mistake teams with nothing to play for , don’t think I’ll bother 😀
DrGloom
Jan 21, 2023 at 10:24 AM
Comment #259Mid table even … bloody aurocorrect
Wor B
Jan 21, 2023 at 10:25 AM
Comment #260#prayforbrunosankle
Well done carltoon, Bruno has declared himself fit, Eddie may not play him, but it looks like you still have some sway upstairs. 🙂
clinath@ed
Jan 21, 2023 at 10:27 AM
Comment #261I like mistake teams Dr G
Davas
Jan 21, 2023 at 10:29 AM
Comment #262A sunny morning and it’s match day. Gotta love it.
Good luck to Chris Wood at Forest and hope he scores the winner against any/all of our rivals.
I’m a know nowt so I’ll leave it to EH, who definitely isn’t, to comment:
“Of Wood, Howe added: ‘He’s been a huge player for us, outstanding in every way. When we signed him, we were in a very difficult league position. He played a huge part on the pitch to help transform the team.
‘He’s been excellent, both on and off the pitch, in terms of his leadership and positivity even when he’s not played.
‘You can’t underestimate the role he’s played. It was a difficult decision, because you have to take into account the player and his wishes. The player wanted to go and he gets the security of an extra year on his contract. But also, I think it’s a very good deal financially for the football club.’ “
niafron
Jan 21, 2023 at 10:30 AM
Comment #263@DrGloom
Important game for us however. A draw would be perfect.
Davas
Jan 21, 2023 at 10:31 AM
Comment #264A draw, preferably, or a Chelsea win today as Liverpool have a game in hand.
CLINT FLICK
Jan 21, 2023 at 10:35 AM
Comment #265AP
Totally!
Jerkasaurus Rex, that guy!
sparky55
Jan 21, 2023 at 10:36 AM
Comment #266Steady on WorB @ 260.. that statement could well be construed as masongynistic in some quarters!
Regan
Jan 21, 2023 at 10:36 AM
Comment #267Leicester to take points off Brighton would benefit us as well..
Fulham to mash the spuds..
Arsenal to beat manure..
West Ham to beat Everton..
Not asking too much am I..
😆
Wor B
Jan 21, 2023 at 10:36 AM
Comment #268Only 25 minutes left to make your FPL mistakes…
sparky55
Jan 21, 2023 at 10:37 AM
Comment #269Regan…dont forget the chilli…not too much mind!
sparky55
Jan 21, 2023 at 10:38 AM
Comment #270Regan…thats mental…I was just thinking the very same thing as I’m sorting thru my Fantast footy
Regan
Jan 21, 2023 at 10:39 AM
Comment #271Sparky..
No chilli mate..
Will have to make do with chop sauce..
😳
Wor B
Jan 21, 2023 at 10:40 AM
Comment #272Hmm, masongynistic
Apologies Sparky, I’ll repent in the Masons Arms later today.
Regan
Jan 21, 2023 at 10:40 AM
Comment #273Liverfool/Chelsea got a draw written all over it..
I hope..
Tinos Vino
Jan 21, 2023 at 10:43 AM
Comment #274These are the weekends funnily enough that will define where we finish up.
Away to mid table team with those around us facing each other. Win and the psychological pressure on the likes of Tottenham ,Chelsea and the bin dippers goes to another level if they have bad results.
Did I also read that the Juventus decision also affects Spurs as their football director was at Juve when it went on and he is banned for 2 years? Might be shit but sure I read him and the ceo got a ban?
DrGloom
Jan 21, 2023 at 10:44 AM
Comment #275We just need to look after our own games, we can’t control what other teams do .. I’m going 0-3 today , just think that law of averages means we’re going to have a game where we take the chances we missed against Leeds/ Fulham
Wor B
Jan 21, 2023 at 10:45 AM
Comment #2765:30 ko, could be awkward for Dennis Twice, I hope he has time to work out then post today’s match tactics for the lads.
Regan
Jan 21, 2023 at 10:49 AM
Comment #277The boxing should be good tonight..
A scouser and a manure fan..
Could be a right old tear up..
😆
Tinos Vino
Jan 21, 2023 at 10:50 AM
Comment #278https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11675/12791409/juventus-serie-a-side-given-15-point-deduction-as-tottenhams-fabio-paratici-handed-30-month-ban-from-italian-football
They have requested it be extended to uefa and fifa! So that’s the Spuds MD in a bit of bother
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Jan 21, 2023 at 10:50 AM
Comment #279Regan #267. Surely that was Spam to stir the toffee?
Davas
Jan 21, 2023 at 10:50 AM
Comment #280Tinos
Yes he was but at the moment I think the ban for him is just in Italy, unless Fifa intervene