Newcastle United return to Premier League action this weekend, travelling to London for Sunday’s 2pm kick-off at West Ham.
Eddie Howe’s Mags have won three in a row, beating Benfica, Fulham and Spurs in a trio of home games, while West Ham have suffered three straight defeats against Arsenal, Brentford and Leeds, failing to get that new manager bounce from Nuno EspIrito Santo.
As we build up to the game and a big chance to sort out our away woes in the league, here is the side we’re backing Howe to go with and why…
**(4-3-3)**: _Pope – Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn – Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton – Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon._
Howe made eight changes for our 2-0 win over Spurs in midweek, and I think he’ll revert back to something very similar to the side who beat Fulham 2-1 win our last league game.
I believe we’ll see Pope back in for Ramsdale, Botman replace Schar, Trippier return at Krafth’s expense, with Joelinton and Bruno also coming in for Willock and Ramsey.
In attack, I expect Gordon to come back in down the left and Murphy to start on the right, pushing Barnes and Elanga back down to the bench.
Discussing the tough decision he faces after so many squad players impressed in midweek, Howe said: “They have (made it difficult) and that’s what I wanted.
“I wanted everyone to challenge the other players who are playing and that everyone is aware that one bad game can cost you. You have to be alert and continue to give strong performances.”
“Team selection, I think, is always the hardest call because you’re having to disappoint people that you really love and you really rate and you really don’t want to do that.
“That’s one of the most difficult parts of the job, but I always do it with the best intentions and that’s to help the team win.”