Newcastle face Burnley today in a must, must, must, must win game.
The Magpies drew with Norwich 1-1 during the week, hindered by Ciaran Clark’s early red card.
He’ll be suspended for the clash with the Clarets, forcing Eddie Howe into at least one game.
But who will the manager start with for what is set to be a huge Premier League fixture?
Fernandez starts over Lascelles
When Clark was sent off against Norwich, Howe turned to Federico Fernandez.
The 32-year-old had been out of favour, but finally made his grand return against the Canaries. And what a return it was.
Fernandez was arguably our best player against Norwich, and deserves to start for the first time since the defeat to Wolves – the game which preceded the takeover.
That’s despite the face Jamaal Lascelles is back from suspension. While he might be the captain, Howe can’t ignore Fernandez’s Tuesday night showing. Howe was certainly impressed, calling him ‘outstanding’.
While Matt Ritchie is also back from suspension, he too should settle for a place on the bench. Jamal Lewis looked solid on his first Premier League start since February, and deserves a run in the team.
Redemption for Ryan Fraser
Ryan Fraser was unfortunately withdrawn early on Tuesday night following Clark’s moment of madness. Newcastle needed another defender on the pitch, and the Scotland winger was the player to be sacrificed.
The 27-year-old will surely start against Burnley. It was disappointing for him to be substituted so early, but it was a necessary evil.
On the bright side, at least he’ll be fresh…
Howe will likely go with the same formation he started with on Tuesday. That means Fraser and Allan Saint-Maximin in attack, while Joelinton provides support for Callum Wilson through the middle.
Predicted XI to face Burnley: Dubravka; Manquillo, Fernandez, Schar, Lewis; Fraser, Shelvey, Willock, Saint-Maximin; Joelinton, Wilson.
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