Eddie Howe to shuffle pack once more: Our predicted Newcastle United XI to take on Arsenal on Sunday
Newcastle United return to Premier League action with a tricky tie against Arsenal on Sunday, live from St James' Park on Sky Sports, with a 4:30 pm kick-off.
Eddie Howe has the beating of Mikel Arteta in this fixture, having won the last three games against Arsenal at home without conceding a goal, but as Howe said in his press conference, each game is new.
Newcastle have had trouble scoring goals this season, despite banging in four against League One Bradford on Wednesday. That could still be the problem on Sunday, but we're expecting Howe to go with his three top men up front.
Howe has been chopping and changing his side lately to suit the occasion, and this one calls for the big guns, so we're expecting him to go as strong as possible.
Goalkeeper
Nick Pope - We were impressed with Aaron Ramsdale in midweek, but Pope is Eddie Howe's number 1. It would be fun to see Ramsdale up against his old team, though.
Defenders
Kieran Trippier - An old head at the back to keep things calm seems like it will be a good idea for much of the game.
Malick Thiaw - Fabian Schar is still out, so the German gets another chance to shine. The Swiss star might struggle to get his place back.
Dan Burn - It felt like a coin toss as to whether it would be BDB or Sven Botman here. Like Trippier, having that influence at the back could be the way forward. Plus, he'll be fresh as paint after sitting out Wednesday.
Tino Livramento - Howe could easily go with Tino and Lewis Hall, but for reasons stated above, we think Tripps will get the nod which means Tino will likely play on the left.
Midfielders
Bruno Guimaraes (c) - Yes, it was League One opposition, but Bruno was outstanding on Wednesday against Bradford. More of the same, please.
Sandro Tonali - The Premier League's best midfield trio must be reunited for this game.
Joelinton - Who else is going to rile up the Gunners? Well, probably Anthony Gordon, but Joey will do a fine job also.
Forwards
Anthony Elanga - It's the first time Eddie Howe can really try out the Anthonys on the flanks with a proper striker in the middle. With Jacob Murphy nursing an injury, Elanga seems like the logical choice to start.
Nick Woltemade - It might be harsh to drop Will Osula after scoring two in midweek, but we didn't break our transfer record to not put our trust in the big man.
Anthony Gordon - Back in Premier League action after his red card and playing in his proper position. We're expecting a display from the England man.
Eddie Howe will have some good options on the bench again with Lewis Hall/Kieran Trippier, depending on which way he goes on that decision, as well as Sven Botman/Dan Burn.
Jacob Murphy and Will Osula will be itching to be involved, too, and Lewis Miley may feel he has a point to prove.
It should be an interesting afternoon.
