Premier League football is back at St James’ Park and a tough test awaits as Chelsea come to town.
We would move just three points behind the Blues with a win, but lose and we’ll be stuck in the bottom half and nine behind our European rivals.
A lot is on the line and this is the side we’re backing Eddie Howe to select when the team sheets come out at 11.15am…
**(4-3-3)**: Ramsdale – Miley, Schar, Thiaw, Hall – Bruno, Tonali, Ramsey – Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon.
I’m going with four changes, seeing Hall, Tonali, Gordon and Woltemade replace Livramento, Willock, Barnes, and Wissa for this one.
At the back, Hall’s absence in midweek appeared to be a precautionary move to manage him, rather than a new injury, so I think we’ll see him back at left-back, with Miley continuing on the right after a mature display against Fulham.
Howe has already said that Joelinton isn’t ready to start just yet, so it’s got to be between Ramsey and Willock for that third midfield spot. Ramsey had one of his better games in midweek and may need a run in the side to really show his worth, so I think we could see the former Villa man keep his place.
Murphy vs Elanga is another debate. Rotation could mean the Swede returns, I just see him getting little change out of Cucurella based on his current confidence levels, coupled with the fact our right side may benefit from some consistency in selection to help Miley settle into that emergency right-back role.
Up top, Wissa lasted very well in midweek, but I would be surprised if he starts twice in four days after three months out, meaning Woltemade should come in after he was handed most of the night off against Fulham.