Eddie Howe may have to make at least one change to his Newcastle United team against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.
The Magpies can move up to sixth in the Premier League with a win over Tottenham on Saturday, but there is a fresh injury concern heading into the game at St James’ Park.
Joe Willock was forced off during the first half of the win over Fulham last weekend, and there was no sign of him in the training photos that the club released on Wednesday.
That could force Eddie Howe to make a change, and this is the Newcastle United starting XI we think he will pick to face Tottenham
No changes at the back for Newcastle
Given the lack of options available, Howe will almost certainly have to go with the same back four against Tottenham as the one that kept a clean sheet at Craven Cottage.
That means that Dan Burn continues at centre-back, and he will also retain the captain’s armband in the absence of Jamaal Lascelles and Kieran Trippier.
There were will also be a third consecutive start for Lewis Hall, who is on course to become a permanent Newcastle United this summer. The Magpies have an obligation to sign him from Chelsea if certain conditions are met, and that could actually happen this weekend.
Elliot Anderson replaces Joe Willock against Tottenham
With Joe Willock a doubt to face Tottenham, it could mean that Elliot Anderson returns to the Newcastle starting XI. He came on to replace Willock against Fulham, and we are predicting that the 21-year-old will take his place this weekend.
Even if Willock is passed fit, it might be best to err on the side of caution and keep him as a substitute.
Anderson should be joined in midfield by Bruno Guimaraes, who was the match-winner against Fulham, and Sean Longstaff, who recently spoke about having to play through injuries this season.
Eddie Howe shuffles his Newcastle attack
During Newcastle’s last game at St James’ Park, Harvey Barnes was the Magpies’ hero. The £39million man netted a glorious brace against West Ham, as Howe’ side came from 3-1 down to win 4-3.
Now Newcastle face another London side at home, and this time Barnes should start.
It is time for Howe to play Barnes, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon together, which would mean Jacob Murphy dropping to the bench after his poor performance against Fulham.
It would also mean Gordon shifting from left to right, which he is more than capable of doing.
Predicted XI vs Spurs: Dubravka; Krafth, Schar, Burn, Hall; Longstaff, Bruno, Anderson; Gordon, Isak, Barnes.
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