Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United side will look to bounce back from last weekend’s disappointing draw away to Bournemouth with a steely showing against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
The Magpies needed a late VAR check to prevent them from suffering a defeat against Bournemouth, with Newcastle’s defence tested all afternoon on the south coast.
It’s a welcome return to St. James Park this weekend and an opponent in Spurs who Newcastle demolished less than five months ago.
Ahead of the contest, Express Sport have predicted who Howe might go for in his starting XI.
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Newcastle predicted XI vs Spurs (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Pope
After a clean sheet on opening day against Southampton, Nick Pope was breached at the Vitality Stadium in Sunday’s stalemate against Bournemouth.
His spot in the XI won’t be under threat though, as Newcastle look to make it two wins from two at home.
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Defence: Krafth, Burn, Kelly, Livramento
Defence continues to be a problem position for Howe, with the English coach unsuccessful in adding more quality to his backline this summer.
Following a summer-long pursuit of Marc Guehi that didn’t pay off, Howe will have to settle for the players at his disposal, with Dan Burn and Emil Krafth expected to feature at the heart of the defence.
One man Newcastle did secure the services of, Lloyd Kelly, should play off the left, while Tino Livramento, who was this week called up to the England squad, features from the right.
It means there’s once again no spot in the Premier League starting line-up for Kieran Trippier.
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Midfield: Guimaraes, Longstaff, Joelinton
There was a time earlier in the summer when it looked like Bruno Guimaraes wouldn’t even be a Newcastle player this season - instead, the Brazil international is captaining the team.
The Newcastle skipper will once again wear the armband for the visit of Tottenham, and be joined in midfield by Matty Longstaff.
Just ahead of the tough-tackling duo, Joelinton, who made an error in the build-up to Bournemouth’s opener last weekend, will look to service a goal-hungry Newcastle attack.
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Attack: Murphy, Isak, Gordon
Another area Newcastle reportedly looked to strengthen late in the window, Howe might not have secured the signatures of any new attackers, but he did at least keep hold of his two biggest threats up front.
Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, despite heavy links elsewhere, remained at the club beyond yesterday’s 11pm deadline and should provide the biggest goal threat for Newcastle this season.
Harvey Barnes or Jacob Murphy remains the only question for the final spot, with Howe expected to start the latter for the third Premier League game in a row.
Newcastle predicted XI: Pope; Krafth, Burn, Kelly, Livramento; Guimaraes, Longstaff, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon
