Eddie Howe has some difficult decisions to make for Newcastle United’s final game of the season against Everton.
They are huge decisions too, with Newcastle United needing a win to secure Champions League football.
Newcastle are predicted to beat Everton, but Eddie Howe will take nothing for granted as his side get set to call time on what has been a historic campaign.
There is still time for another special 90 minutes inside St James’ Park, as the Magpies aim to complement ending their trophy drought with Champions League qualification.
Their fate is in their own hands, and this is Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United XI to face Everton.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Newcastle United system change is bad news for Sven Botman
During Newcastle United’s previous two games, they have played with five at the back. That has seen Sven Botman come into the side and Jacob Murphy play at right wing-back.
It feels likely that Eddie Howe will revert to his 4-3-3 formation against Everton, with his side likely to see a lot of the ball.
That could be bad news for Botman, who would probably drop to the bench in favour of Dan Burn and Fabian Schar starting together at centre-back.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
With Kieran Trippier injured, there could be an opportunity for Emil Krafth to start at right-back due to Murphy being required higher up the pitch.
£39m player is dropped vs Everton
Another player who could suffer from Howe changing his system is Harvey Barnes.
A 4-3-3 shape will mean it is difficult for Howe to get Barnes, Murphy and Anthony Gordon into the same XI. That could be bad news for Barnes.
The £39million winger is at risk of dropping to the bench, with this feeling like the perfect game for Gordon to prove a point. The 24-year-old has not been his usual self as of late, and was criticised following Newcastle’s defeat to Arsenal.
With his former club Everton next up, the stage looks set for Gordon to have a major say in Newcastle’s Champions League bid.
Eddie Howe makes Alexander Isak injury decision
The one name that Newcastle United fans are desperate to see on the team sheet is Alexander Isak.
Isak was injured on Sunday, missing the Arsenal game due to a groin problem.
It has been reported that Isak should return against Everton, as Newcastle go all out to get the result they need.
If he is fit enough to start, the 25-year-old will take Callum Wilson’s place in the starting XI.
The Newcastle United number nine will hope to feature in some capacity, as this could prove to be his final ever Toon appearance. Wilson’s Newcastle contract expires this summer, with the 33-year-old likely to leave.
Predicted XI vs Everton: Pope; Krafth, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Bruno, Tonali, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.