Eddie Howe is predicted to make two changes to his Newcastle United starting XI against West Ham United this weekend.
The Magpies are back in Premier League action after the international break, and are preparing for the first of 10 defining games. Eddie Howe’s side are desperate to qualify for Europe, and will take a huge step towards that goal with a win against the Hammers.
In preparation, the Newcastle players who have not been on international duty have been to Dubai for a warm weather training camp. It will hopefully prove to be a beneficial trip, and we will find out on Saturday at St James’ Park.
But Eddie Howe does have a fresh injury problem ahead of the game against West Ham, and this is the Newcastle United starting XI we predict he will pick
Jamaal Lascelles takes Sven Botman’s place against West Ham
The one change that Eddie Howe will be forced to make is in defence.
Sven Botman suffered an ACL injury in the FA Cup defeat to Manchester City, and could now be out of action for nine months.
I expect Jamaal Lascelles to take his place, just like he did earlier this season. The 30-year-old was ‘unbelievable‘ when he came into the team, and will hope to enjoy an equally as impressive run in the side.
It will be a second consecutive start for Lascelles, having featured in a back five against Manchester City.
Kieran Trippier returns for Newcastle United
Howe will likely revert to a back four against West Ham, and that should coincide with Kieran Trippier returning to the side.
The 33-year-old has missed Newcastle’s previous two games with a calf problem, and was not spotted in Toon training on Wednesday. However, he is expected to be available for Saturday’s game, and that will be a welcome boost given how important he is to Howe’s side.
Alexander Isak leads the line
Alexander Isak did not enjoy a brilliant international break with Sweden, but he will be back to lead the line for Newcastle against West Ham.
And he will be keen to pick up where he left off last time against the Hammers. The 24-year-old bagged an impressive brace at the London Stadium, and will hope to add to his overall tally of 16 goals this weekend.
He will likely be flanked by Anthony Gordon and Miguel Almiron, who should be the other player to come into the starting XI alongside the returning Trippier.
Predicted XI vs West Ham: Dubravka; Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Burn; Longstaff, Bruno, Willock; Almiron, Isak, Gordon.
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