Eddie Howe has some big decisions to make for today's Premier League game with Brentford
Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United celebrates
Bruno Guimaraes could start for Newcastle United against Brentford(Image: SmartFrame/News Images)
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Newcastle United get what feels like a rare chance to enjoy home comforts today when they host Brentford at St James' Park after three incredibly tough games on the road.
It's the first of a Premier League double-header, with a trip to Tottenham on Tuesday night, and Eddie Howe could be handed a huge injury boost.
Captain Bruno Guimaraes is close to a comeback from a knee injury and could make his return today, while Lewis Miley is also on the verge of returning to the squad.
Winger Anthony Gordon will miss today's game, but the England star is not expected to have a lengthy a spell on the sidelines. It gives Howe a few more options when it comes to keeping things fresh, and with that in mind, here are the starting XIs our team of NUFC writes would pick today.
Lee Ryder
Despite a good game at Man City for Aaron Ramsdale, I'd still recall Nick Pope between the posts as Newcastle need stability and consistency.
Kieran Trippier stays at right-back for his leadership qualities and I'd rest Sven Botman and go with two centre-backs in Malick Thiaw and Dan Burn to steer United through this big test.
Bruno Guimaraes is confident he is fit, I'm told, so the Brazilian skipper comes back into the side. Sandro Tonali and Jacob Ramsey make up the other midfield slots for this one.
With Anthony Gordon out surely there is only one man in Harvey Barnes to fill that position. This is the perfect time to start Anthony Elanga vs the Bees and I'd have Wissa as first name on the team sheet against his old club.
My NUFC XI: Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall, Guimaraes, Tonali, Ramsey, Barnes, Elanga, Wissa
Ross Gregory
Strap him up, give him a horse tranquiliser, get him hypnotised - Newcastle desperately need Bruno Guimaraes back on the pitch again, whatever it takes. It sounded like positive news from Eddie Howe, so fingers crossed the skipper is available.
The other concern is Lewis Miley. He may be a bit further away so a place on the bench may be the best option there.
Then there's the formation. Three centre-halves or a flat back four? I'll go for the latter in a 4-3-3 formation though I'm slightly worried about Kieran Trippier's ability to play another 90 minutes. Two into three doesn't go with the centre halves either and it feels like Malick Thiaw needs a breather.
Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes were lively off the bench on Wednesday and I'd give Yoane Wissa a start against his old club. To be honest, the way him and Nick Woltemade are performing neither give me any confidence whatsover that they are going to find the goals Newcastle need but Wissa should be fired up against his old pals.
My NUFC XI: Pope, Trippier, Botman, Burn, Hall; Bruno, Tonali, Willock; Elanga, Wissa, Barnes
Stuart Jamieson
Newcastle have to get on the front foot quickly today, and I feel it's a good opportunity to try the Wissa-Woltemade strike partnership again. Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga can drop slightly deeper to make a four-man midfield, with Woltemade spearheading the attack and Wissa dropping into spaces.
Bruno's return will be a welcome boost, but I would perhaps save Lewis Miley for Spurs on Tuesday. Likewise Sven Botman can step back to fully recover from the injury which kept him out at Liverpool.
My NUFC XI: Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Guimaraes, Elanga, Barnes, Wissa, Woltemade
Pick your NUFC XI
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