A picture of Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe (Image: John Walton/PA)
So much depends on Alexander Isak's fitness this weekend when it comes to picking the Newcastle United starting XI to face Everton at St James' Park. The talismanic Swede was a big miss at Arsenal and Eddie Howe will have everything crossed that he will be able to start Sunday's final Premier League game of the season.
We all know the equation - win and United are a Champions League team again next season. Anything else and it's hold-your-breath time. Kieran Trippier's potential return from a calf problem could give Howe food for thought, but reverting to a back four will mean one of Sven Botman, Dan Burn or Fabian Schar to drop out.
Anthony Gordon is another who could have several roles this weekend - either in his natural left-sided forward role, a central striker if Isak misses out, or not in the side at all. Then there are the likes of Lewis Miley, Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff who could step into Joelinton's shoes if Howe switches things around. Plenty to decide then - here's what our team of NUFC writers would do.
Lee Ryder
A couple of late fitness tests may be in order but assuming the two stars who are close make it through, I'd be going back to the best formation possible for United against Everton. Playing five at the back isn't appropriate for Sunday's game in which Newcastle need to get on the front-foot, for the early stages at least.
The return of Kieran Trippier, even if he can get through an hour, would be key in my opinion. Tino Livramento at left-back and Dan Burn alongside Fabian Schar in the heart of defence would complete my starting defensive rearguard.
Now that we know Joelinton isn't fit my midfield I'd go with Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley. Harvey Barnes out on the left, Jacob Murphy on the right and Alexander Isak would complete my winning (hopefully) line-up. Having Sven Botman on the bench to get minutes later in the game if needed and Anthony Gordon as a potential impact sub, again if required, would give the Magpies plenty of options in reserve.
NUFC starting XI: Pope, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento, Bruno, Tonali, Miley, Barnes, Murphy, Isak
Ciaran Kelly
Much depends on how both Kieran Trippier and Alexander Isak fare on their return to group training on the eve of this game, of course. However, if the pair are declared fit, they both come straight into my team given the magnitude of this fixture.
That, in turn, would enable Eddie Howe to revert back to his favoured 4-3-3 formation as I think Newcastle would be better served having an extra body in the middle of the park rather than at the back at home against Everton so Joe Willock gets the nod. Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy have been Newcastle's most productive starting wingers in recent months so I would give the pair the chance to line up from the off in their natural positions.
NUFC starting XI: Pope, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento, Tonali, Willock, Bruno, Murphy, Isak, Barnes
Stuart Jamieson
Newcastle rightly don't take any risks with injuries . . . but I would be tempted to make an exception today. Let's not be foolish, Alexander Isak should only play if they're confident he won't further damage his groin injury, but if he can be patched up to go again then it might be worth it, today of all days. Get the game won and take him off nice and early.
Elsewhere, I prefer a back four but with Joelinton out, it's suited Newcastle to go to three at the back and allow Dan Burn and Fabian Schar to press high into midfield with Sven Botman sweeping. It doesn't quite get the best out of Jacob Murphy on the flanks, although I felt Harvey Barnes took up some intelligent positions in the inside channel at Arsenal. If Isak doesn't make it, I would start with Anthony Gordon up front - and let Callum Wilson take the field in the second half to get that 50th goal.
NUFC starting XI: Pope, Schar, Botman, Burn, Murphy, Livramento, Tonali, Guimaraes, Murphy, Barnes, Isak.
Ross Gregory
Now is the time to gamble. One game to go and then rest. Patch up the walking wounded, urge them to give it one last go and put the seal on the greatest Newcastle season in living memory.
If Trippier and Isak are even just 80% fit then they start the game. Gordon is out of form so doesn't warrant a starting berth and a switch to 4-3-3 may be tough on Sven Botman - the centre half who will have to miss out - but it's the right choice.
That just leaves the one midfield place with Joelinton injured. I'll bang the same drum I've done pretty much every week when asked for my starting XI and continue to make the noise that Lewis Miley has to start. The Stanley lad is a class act and will add composure to what could be a frenetic afternoon.
NUFC starting XI: Pope, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento, Bruno, Tonali, Miley, Barnes, Murphy, Isak