Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is expected to make multiple changes for the final game of the season against Brentford.
The Magpies’ European fate is now out their hands after the 3-2 defeat to Manchester United, but they know that a win against Brentford will mean they finish above the Red Devils for the first time since 1977.
A win could also lift Newcastle United up to sixth, but only if Chelsea lose to Bournemouth. If Newcastle do come sixth or seventh, all eyes will turn to the FA Cup, as that will determine which UEFA competition they are in or whether they even qualify at all. A Man United win at Wembley could really scupper things, but that is a problem for next week.
For now, Eddie Howe needs to find a way to get just his sixth away win in the Premier League during what has been an injury-ridden season.
With key players back, Howe has the chance to make some changes to his team, and this is our predicted Newcastle United XI to face Brentford.
Eddie Howe finally makes goalkeeper decision
Newcastle United fans are desperate for Howe to make at least one change on Sunday, with supporters eager to see Nick Pope replace Martin Dubravka.
The Slovakian was poor once again versus Man United, while Pope watched on from the bench. Those roles need to be reversed this weekend, with Newcastle having just one game left to define their season.
There could also be a change at centre-back, with Fabian Schar making his comeback from a hamstring injury at Old Trafford. He should therefore start against Brentford, taking the place of Emil Krafth. The £5million man has done well, but Howe needs to pick his strongest team.
Joelinton starts for Newcastle
That brings us to Joelinton, who is yet to start since recovering from a thigh injury. But hopefully, like Pope, his time to return to the XI will come this weekend.
In the buildup to the game, Howe spoke about how badly Newcastle have missed the Brazilian, whilst also praising the impact he had when he came off the bench on Wednesday night.
“When he [Joelinton] plays he brings a totally different dynamic to the group,” Howe said.
‘You could see when he came on, on Wednesday, that was the best he’s looked since his injury. He looked very much like his robust, agile self.”
That will hopefully lead to him starting in our final game of the season, with Elliot Anderson the most likely contender to drop to the bench.
Anthony Gordon fit to face Brentford
Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon is a doubt to face the Bees after picking up a knock in the defeat to Man United.
The 23-year-old was involved in an incident with Sofyan Amrabat, who appeared to stand on Gordon’s Achilles. However, it did not result in a penalty, to the shock of Gordon and everyone watching.
Howe has been unable to confirm that Gordon will be fit to start on Sunday, but we anticipate that he will be part of Newcastle’s front three alongside Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak.
Predicted XI vs Brentford: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Hall; Longstaff, Bruno, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
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