Kieran Trippier of Newcastle United
Kieran Trippier of Newcastle United (Image: Newcastle United via Getty Image)
There will be one name every Newcastle United fan will be looking for when the teamsheet drops at 3pm on Sunday. Eddie Howe's side need a win against Everton on the final day of the Premier League season to ensure a Champions League place for next term.
The Magpies have every reason to be confident on home turf against a Toffees side with nothing but pride to play for - but everyone around St James' Park will breathe a whole lot easier if Alexander Isak is named in the starting XI.
Eddie Howe was predictably cautious over his star striker in his pre-match media briefing, with no clear indication on whether the Swede wouild be fit. He will be given every chance to prove his fitness after sitting out United's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal last weekend, but is not the only injury concern.
The Newcastle head coach will be without Brazilian midfielder Joelinton, with faint hopes that he would recover from a knee problem before the end of the season now over. United have missed his presence in the centre of park, and Howe must decide whether to start Lewis Miley or Joe Willock, or keep the five at the back formation.
Joelinton joins Lewis Hall and Matt Targett on the longer-term absentee list, with both left-backs expected to return to action in pre-season. Tino Livramento will continue on the left flank in their absence.
One player who could yet return is right-back Kieran Trippier. The former England international has enjoyed a strong second half of the season but has missed the last two games with a calf problem. Like Isak, he is close to being passed fit, but United are unlikely to take any risks.
Everton will head north without their first-choice central defensive pairing, something which Newcastle will be keen to take full advantage of. With James Tarkowski already out for the season after undergoing an operation on a thigh injury, and is joined on the sidelines by in-demand star Jarrad Branthwaite.
He picked up a hamstring injury in Everton's 2-0 win over Southampton last weekend, their final at Goodison Park, and David Moyes has confirmed he won't be able to face Newcastle. Michael Keane and Jake O'Brien are likely to deputise in the heart of the defence, while Moyes will also be without the experienced Seamus Coleman. He was another to limp off early last weekend, with a thigh problem keeping him out on Sunday.
Everton have been without winger Jesper Lindstrom and defensive midfielder Orel Mangala for some time, with the latter back in Lyon after his loan move was hampered by injuries. Danish star Lindstrom is also on loan from Napoli but has not featured since March.