Eddie Howe will be forced into at least one change for Sunday’s clash against Wolves at St. James’ Park with the integral Joelinton facing a two-match ban. There could be other changes on the horizon after Howe made three in last weekend’s defeat at Manchester City.

Fabian Schar is back in contention after being sidelined through the concussion protocol. He faces a fight to return with captain Jamaal Lascelles’s solid showing against the defending champions.

I suspect Schar will keep his place though would not be completely surprised to see Jamaal take the armband tomorrow. However, I do see one other potential change at the back with Matt Targett making his return for Dan Burn at left-back.

All that being said, this is the team I suspect Howe will name. It has three changes from the Citizens with Schar returning, Joe Willock in for Joelinton, and Targett getting a chance on the left.

During his press conference on Friday, Howe stated Alexander Isak was not ready for a full 90 minutes. While that doesn’t rule out a start, he may continue as an impact sub until he is fully fit.

That may also be the role for Allan Saint-Maximin despite impressing in a run of starts. Anthony Gordon made his full debut last weekend and now he may get his first start in front of the home faithful.

There are plenty of options with only Emil Krafth and Harrison Ashby out injured that we know of. Howe can chop and change to try and get the performance needed to spur the Magpies back to victory.

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