Eddie Howe to make big call on back four - Our predicted lineup for NUFC to face THFC on Saturday

Eddie Howe is being forced into a big change for his starting XI as Newcastle United gear up to take on Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs have a defensive crisis of their own to deal with which is worse than Newcastle's, but in such a big game, Howe would definitely prefer to not have to make any tweaks to a solid defence.

Fabian Schar's booking on Monday night against Manchester United means he now has to sit out this game against Spurs and is also set to serve a suspension in the Carabao Cup first leg against Arsenal, meaning he will be missing for two games in a row.

Eddie Howe doesn't have any other right-footed centre-backs fit, so we expect Dan Burn to play RCB but the big question is, who will partner him?

Goalkeeper

Martin Dubravka - Nick Pope is edging his way back to fitness but is still a way off so Martin Dubravka, who could still leave this month, continues in net.

Defenders

Kieran Trippier - 50/50 on this one as Tino Livramento should be fully recovered now, but Trippier has looked good in the last two games so there's no urge to change.

Dan Burn - Big Dan Burn isn't scared to play 'out of position' have covered at left back and LCB, so a move a couple of steps to the right for a game or two should be fine.

Lloyd Kelly - There's still a debate raging at Feed Towers over whether Howe will risk Sven Botman from the start, but I've written to many times now that he won't so I have to stick with it. Not too happy about Kelly starting, but it is what it is.

Lewis Hall - As if there would be any doubt. The 20-year-old is far too good to consider dropping.

Midfielders

Bruno Guimaraes (c) - Bruno is loving his football lately and always steps it up a level in big games so we're expecting big things from our captain.

Sandro Tonali - Sandro is getting better with every game. Spurs should be terrified.

Joelinton - Spurs should probably be even more terrified of Joey. The Brazilian beast has the bit between his teeth lately.

Forwards

Jacob Murphy - His form dipped slightly against Manchester United so we're hoping he can claw it back at Spurs. He does love a goal against them, mind.

Alexander Isak - Best. Striker. In. The. World.

Anthony Gordon - It's Anthony Gordon, what do we need to explain here?

We're not 100% sure on what Eddie Howe is going to do with regards to his back four. He may field two right backs, he may bring in Matt Targett or he might give Sven Botman his first start in nine months. Only time will tell.

Whatever happens, Howe will still have plenty of attacking options on the bench at least, so we can affect the game late on if needs be.