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Chris Knight

Nine changes Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce could make for Tottenham

Steve Bruce will likely be tempted to ring the changes following Newcastle United's capitulation at relegation rivals Brighton.

The Magpies remain just two points above the relegation zone - albeit with a game in hand - after slumping to a dismal 3-0 defeat at the Amex Stadium in their last outing.

Graham Potter's side comprehensively outplayed the visitors and deservedly claimed all three points on a night where Isaac Hayden also suffered a season-ending injury.

Bruce still retains the confidence of United owner Mike Ashley, despite a run of two wins in the Magpies' last 20 matches in all competitions.

United's fate still remains in their hands with nine matches remaining, but they face a number of tricky fixtures against the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City before a potential final-day decider at Fulham.

Tottenham represent the next test for the Magpies after the international break. Here is a look at the changes Bruce could make for the clash with Jose Mourinho's on April 4.

Callum Wilson

United's leading goalscorer has been out of action since picking up a hamstring injury in the dramatic home victory over Southampton on February 6.

Bruce will be wary of rushing the 29-year-old back too quickly, but if the striker will almost certainly start if he is deemed match fit.

Allan Saint-Maximin

Saint-Maximin's return to training on Thursday provided a rare piece of good news for United fans in an otherwise gloomy international break so far.

Like Wilson, the clash with Tottenham may come too soon for the French attacker. But with a full week of training under his belt, supporters will be keen to see the 24-year-old make his return.

Sean Longstaff

The Academy graduate's late cameo at the Amex was the midfielder's first appearance for United since the defeat at Bramall Lane on January 12.

Hayden's injury has opened up a space in the Magpies engine room, and Longstaff could be recalled in either a defensive or attacking role.

Matty Longstaff

Matty Longstaff of Newcastle United (Newcastle United via Getty Images)

If Sean does not get the nod against Tottenham, there is always the chance his younger brother might be handed a long-awaited recall.

Fans have been bemused by the 21-year-old's lack of action this season, but the promising midfielder could be the ideal candidate to replace Hayden in the starting eleven.

Jeff Hendrick

Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United via Getty Images)

It would be safe to say the Republic of Ireland international has struggled to win over the Magpies fanbase.

However, the former Burnley midfielder retains the backing of Bruce and is the more experienced option to fill the void in midfield.

Jamal Lewis

The summer signing has lost his place in the team in recent weeks after being publicly criticised by Bruce for his role in Wolves' equaliser.

Lewis did not feature for Northern Ireland in the defeat at Italy on Thursday night due to an ongoing groin problem. But if the 23-year-old manages to shake off theinjury, he could offer a more attacking alternative to Paul Dummett on the left flank.

Federico Fernandez

Fernandez has been a mainstay in the Magpies' defence under Bruce, but has not featured since the defeat at Sheffield United more than two months ago.

The 32-year-old has been named on the bench since a spell on the sidelines through injury, and Bruce could be tempted to make a change at the back following a shaky display at Brighton.

Jacob Murphy

The former Norwich City winger could regard himself somewhat fortunate to miss out on the starting eleven following his impressive cameo against Wolves the week prior.

Murphy has not been afford a consistent run of starts this season, but could be handed an opportunity if Bruce decides to reshuffle his attack.

Elliot Anderson

Newcastle United's Elliot Anderson made his first-team debut at Arsenal (Newcastle United via Getty Images)

It has been an impressive rise for the 18-year-old who is currently on international duty with England's under-19s.

It would be a huge gamble to throw a teenager - who only made his first-team debut two months ago - into the heat of a relegation battle.

But there has been a clamour from a section of the fanbase on social media for Anderson to be granted more opportunities in the wake of United's ongoing woes in front of goal.

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