Newcastle United take on Brentford at St James’ Park tonight, returning to Premier League action on Tyneside for the first time since that 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa last month.
After one win in our last seven in all competitions, we must bounce back from back-to-back defeats to Liverpool and Man City, with a victory also key to keep us in touching distance to top six rivals like Liverpool, Man Utd and Chelsea.
But who will start? Here is the side we’re backing Eddie Howe to go with and why…
Predicted XI
_**(4-3-3):** Pope – Miley, Thiaw, Burn, Hall – Bruno, Tonali, Ramsey – Elanga, Wissa, Barnes._
_**OUT:** Ramsdale, Trippier, Botman, Willock, Gordon, Woltemade._
_**IN:** Pope, Miley, Bruno, Elanga, Barnes, Wissa._
Starting in goal, it’s hard to know if Ramsdale’s start at Man City was cup rotation or Pope being dropped. Both may be true, but I’m backing Pope to come in against a big Brentford side who will throw balls into the box.
At the back, a return to a back four means one of Thiaw, Botman or Burn must miss out. It’s hard to call, but I think Howe will opt for Burn’s leadership and experience for such a big game, meaning Botman could miss out. At right-back, it’ll be Trippier if Miley isn’t fit to return, although I get the feeling he could be OK.
In midfield, Bruno’s likely return will be a huge boost after missing our last four matches since that 3-0 win over PSV, then it should be Tonali and Ramsey, with Joelinton expected to miss out again and Willock struggling in midweek.
As for our front three, Barnes to the left is a no-brainer with Gordon out, Elanga must build on his first goal and lively cameo at Man City, and I’m 60/40 in favour of Wissa starting over Woltemade against his former club.
How do you see us lining up today? Let us know in the comments below!
HWTL.