Newcastle United are finally back in Premier League action this weekend, as they prepare to face Tottenham.
Eddie Howe’s side haven’t played in more than a fortnight, and spent the international break soaking up the sun in Dubai.
But the Magpies are back on British shores, and set for a date with Spurs in the capital.
Newcastle are looking to bounce back from the Everton defeat, so will Howe make any changes?
Dubravka and Schar fit to face Tottenham
We had some fitness concerns during the international break. Both Martin Dubravka and Fabian Schar withdrew, but will hopefully be available this weekend.
Howe has confirmed that both players have trained, so hopefully they’re deemed fit enough to start.
We expect one change in defence, with Javi Manquillo replacing Emil Krafth. The former has trained with the squad for the past two weeks, while the latter has been on international duty with Sweden.
That should give Manquillo the edge, and it’s a change that fans will welcome.
Bruno Guimaraes on the Newcastle bench
Bruno Guimaraes had an international break to remember. The midfielder provided two assists and scored his first goal for Brazil, who are now the number one ranked team in the world.
However, it feels unlikely that he’ll start against Tottenham. Bruno has done a lot of travelling, and perhaps won’t be as fresh as Howe’s other midfield options.
Therefore, we expect Jonjo Shelvey to return and reclaim the captain’s armband.
Saint-Maximin back in the starting lineup
Allan Saint-Maximin hasn’t started for Newcastle since the 1-0 win over Aston Villa in February.
There’s been a lot of noise surrounding the Frenchman in recent weeks, who has been subject to criticism from some supporters.
But the break has came at a good time for ASM, who will hopefully be fit enough to start against Tottenham.
We’ve missed his x-factor in attack, while he’s struggled to influence proceedings off the bench. If he’s fit enough, he has to start.
Predicted XI vs Tottenham: Dubravka; Manquillo, Schar, Burn, Targett; Fraser, Willock, Shelvey, Joelinton, Saint-Maximin; Wood.
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