Eddie Howe has some extremely difficult decisions to make when he picks his Newcastle United starting XI to face Arsenal.
The Magpies travel to the capital on Sunday, as they face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in their penultimate Premier League game of the campaign.
Newcastle United can effectively guarantee Champions League football with a win, but have major injury issues ahead of taking on Mikel Arteta’s side.
Eddie Howe has multiple problems to address, and this is Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United XI to face Arsenal.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Sven Botman injured
Newcastle United welcomed Sven Botman back to their starting XI against Chelsea, only for the Dutchman to be substituted after 55 minutes.
There are now fears that Botman’s season could be over, as the 25-year-old prepares to undergo a scan.
That will force Eddie Howe into a change, but he must also decide if it results in a change of formation.
The Magpies used a 3-4-3 shape against Chelsea, and it worked brilliantly. But with Botman likely to be unavailable, Howe must decide if he sticks with the same shape or goes back to 4-3-3.
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Issues in midfield for Newcastle United
It would be easier for Howe to move back to a 4-3-3 formation if he had a full-strength midfield.
However, it is unclear if Joelinton or Joe Willock will be available to face Arsenal.
Moving to a 4-3-3 would also require an out-and-out right-back, with Kieran Trippier’s fitness unknown.
With that in mind, Geordie Boot Boys are predicting that Emil Krafth will start for the Magpies. He came on during the win over Chelsea, with Howe praising Krafth’s contribution.
He is capable of playing at centre-back, with Jacob Murphy poised to continue as a wing-back. That would then allow both Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon to start in attack again.
It would also mean that Lewis Miley is on the bench.
Alexander Isak decision made after dip in form
Alexander Isak has not been at his best as of late.
The 25-year-old has been a peripheral figure, but Les Ferdinand says Isak is allowed a dip in form due to how good he has been this season.
The striker has scored 27 goals in all competitions, including two against Arsenal.
Isak will hope to add to that tally on Sunday, as he prepares to lead the line for Newcastle United.
Predicted XI vs Arsenal: Pope; Krafth, Schar, Burn; Murphy, Bruno, Tonali, Livramento; Barnes, Isak, Gordon.