Eddie Howe must decide whether to field an unchanged team for the fourth game in a row or freshen things up ahead of a congested fixture list.
Newcastle travel to Southampton, Chelsea and Everton in the next week looking to extend their eight-game unbeaten run and widen the gap further between themselves and the bottom three. The Toon boss has persisted with the same line-up in recent weeks but the players looked fatigued in the closing stages against Brighton.
One player who will definitely start, however, is Chris Wood, with Howe hailing the striker as ‘outstanding’ in his pre-match press conference. The New Zealand international has looked toothless in front of goal since a £25million move in January but is still earning plaudits for his work rate and movement off the ball.
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Fans’ favourite Allan Saint-Maximin poses a conundrum for Howe ahead of the game. The maverick winger returned from a calf injury against Brighton but was evidently off the boil and scored the lowest in our post-match fan player ratings. Howe told the press Saint-Maximin is “not 100% fit” - paving the way for Jacob Murphy to keep his place in the side.
Bruno Guimaraes is someone Newcastle fans are desperate to see more of since his £40million arrival. After just 39 minutes of top-flight action so far, the cramped schedule could force Howe’s hand to start a player who is still getting to grips with the rigours of English football. If he is selected, he will likely come in for Joe Willock - who he replaced last weekend - but this call is a toss-up. Jonjo Shelvey apologised to fans for his poor showing against Brighton but, as vice-captain, should retain his spot. If Guimaraes does not start tonight, expect him to be in the line-up for the trip to Chelsea on Sunday.
The backline picks itself, with the Magpies only conceding three goals in their last six games. Dan Burn and Fabian Schar have established a formidable partnership at the heart of the defence, while loanee Matt Targett continues to impress at left-back. Martin Dubravka is the undisputed number one between the sticks and has barely been troubled in recent weeks.
The only possible dilemma comes at right-back, with Javier Manquillo fit and firing following his ankle injury. However, Emil Krafth had one of his better games in a Newcastle shirt against Brighton and will likely start again tonight.
Newcastle United predicted XI
Dubravka - Krafth, Schar, Burn, Targett - Shelvey, Guimaraes, Joelinton - Fraser, Murphy, Wood
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