Eddie Howe must decide whether to thrust Nick Woltemade into the Newcastle United starting XI against Wolves on Saturday.
The Magpies are finally back in Premier League action after the international break, and there could be two debuts at St James’ Park.
Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade are poised to make their first appearances, having rounded out Newcastle’s summer transfer business.
They will be tasked with scoring the goals Alexander Isak leaves behind, ideally starting against Wolves on Saturday.
Eddie Howe has multiple selection decisions to make, and this is Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United XI to face Wolves.
Eddie Howe and Bruno Guimaraes react after Newcastle United's Premier League draw with Leeds United.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Newcastle United revert to a back four
The Newcastle United manager changed his system against Leeds, going with a 3-5-2 in order to get as many bodies as possible close to Will Osula.
But with Osula unlikely to start on Saturday, Howe should be able to return to his preferred 4-3-3 formation.
That will also mean a return to his trusted back four of Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn and Tino Livramento.
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Sven Botman feels poised to drop to the bench, while Lewis Hall will have to wait a bit longer for his first competitive start since February.
Eddie Howe makes Joelinton decision
Newcastle recently received an injury boost, with Joelinton spotted at the training ground after being forced off against Liverpool.
The hope has been that he would be fit after the international break, and it appears that could be the case.
However, with Barcelona in the Champions League set for Thursday, Howe should err on the side of caution and save Joelinton for that game.
Instead, Jacob Ramsey should retain his place in the Magpies’ starting XI. Hopefully he lasts longer than he did away to Leeds, having been forced off at half-time with an ankle problem.
Yoane Wissa starts ahead of Nick Woltemade
The big headline from Newcastle United’s team news on Saturday will be who starts up front.
For the first time this season, Howe will be able to pick a senior striker. If anything, he is spoiled for choice with Wissa and Woltemade available!
Between the two of them, Wissa is more likely to start against Wolves. He is a proven Premier League talent, ready to have an instant impact following his £55million arrival on Tyneside.
In contrast, Woltemade will need time to adapt to English football. Therefore, he is better suited to starting on the bench.
Wissa could be joined in attack by Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga, who both started the Magpies’ previous game as substitutes.
Predicted XI vs Wolves: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Bruno, Tonali, Ramsey; Elanga, Wissa, Barnes.