Sat 9 Dec 2023, 11:29 · Ash Harrison

17-year-old starts again as £12m man looks to atone - our predicted lineup to face Tottenham Hotspur

17-year-old starts again as £12m man looks to atone - our predicted lineup to face Tottenham Hotspur
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Newcastle United face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday with both sides desperate for a win.

Eddie Howe is still in a situation where his starting XI pretty much picks itself due to availability, but there have been rumblings that Sean Longstaff and Callum Wilson could be back in contention for the trip to London.

We don't think Howe will put either of them into the starting lineup but if both are on the bench then both will get minutes.

Despite Kieran Trippier's errors on Thursday night, we've resisted the temptation to drop the £12million man and put Tino Livramento at right back and starting Lewis Hall. Our other idea was to keep Tino on the left and replace Tripps with Emil Krafth.

Goalkeeper

Martin Dubravka - Had a nightmare return on Thursday leaking three goals, but it's hard to blame him for any of them as he was left completely exposed.

Defence

Tino Livramento - Had another solid display on Thursday but started to run out of steam towards the end. We expect he'll bounce back.

Fabian Schar - Fab has been great this season but was way off his best on Thursday, especially when it came to passing. Has some making up to do.

Jamaal Lascelles - Big Skipper limped off the park against Everton but it's thought he'll be fine and will play again against Spurs.

Kieran Trippier - Mini Skipper was absolutely gassed by the end of the game at Everton which led to three costly errors. Should have been hooked after the first mistake, but KT is an experienced player, a true professional and will be determined to atone on Sunday and that's why we've stuck with him.

Newcastle United 10
No change again

Midfield

Joelinton - Was one of the two players who came away with any credibility last time out. A true battler in the middle of the park. We'd be lost without him.

Bruno Guimaraes - Another who was far from his best on Thursday, but like Trippier, Bruno will bounce back, it's just the way he's built.

Lewis Miley - His place may be under threat if Sean Longstaff is fit, but honestly, why would you drop him? He was the other player who could hold his head up after Thursday. He's done nothing wrong in the past four outings. Keep him in the side.

Forwards

Anthony Gordon - The occasion got to him on Thursday, clearly. Far from his best, but without the constant targetting on Sunday we expect he'll be back to his best.

Alexander Isak - Still doesn't look 100% and it is affecting his game, but is probably fitter than Callum Wilson so will get the nod.

Miguel Almiron - Miggy missed a couple of good chances again on Thursday, but he keeps getting into the right positions which is invaluable. He'll put one away eventually.

Once again we're going with an unchanged side, purely based on expected fitness levels and the fact that Eddie Howe wouldn't drop Trippier unless his leg was hanging off, he's far too important.

It's going to be a tough game, we'll be watching from behind the sofa through our fingers.

Howay the chuffing lads!