Newcastle United’s top four fate could be decided when the Magpies face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Eddie Howe‘s side are currently three points ahead of Spurs, but Newcastle could make it six with a game in hand this weekend.
It is a huge chance to strengthen our Champions League credentials, with an out of form Tottenham set to arrive at St James’ Park.
Regardless of form, it is going to be a massive game and this is our predicted Newcastle starting lineup to face Spurs
Time for a change to Newcastle’s defence
While Newcastle still have the best defensive record in the Premier League, it is time for Howe to tweak his back four. They no longer look as impenetrable as before, and cracks are starting to form.
That is why we should see one change on Sunday, with Matt Targett coming in for Dan Burn. The 27-year-old has not started a Premier League game since September, and has had to wait patiently for this opportunity.
But it should come this weekend, with Howe needing to freshen things up. That means taking Burn out of the starting XI, despite the local lad enjoying a sensational season in an uncomfortable position.
Joe Willock dropped from the starting lineup
One player who must start against Tottenham is Sean Longstaff. He was only fit enough for the bench last time out, having suffered from tonsillitis in the buildup.
The midfield trio of Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock massively underperformed at Villa Park, with Longstaff a major miss. That should result in him returning to the side this weekend.
Who it should be instead of is a difficult decision. It won’t be Bruno, that’s for sure.
There are three options. Longstaff replaces Anthony Gordon and Joelinton moves out wide, he replaces Joelinton in the middle, or he replaces Willock.
We expect Howe to go with the latter, with the £25million man dropping to the bench.
Miguel Almiron returns against Tottenham
It has been reported that Miguel Almiron has a decent chance of starting against Tottenham, and we hope that proves to be the case.
The Paraguayan is back after a thigh injury, and will hopefully replace Jacob Murphy on the right of attack.
Miggy has been a big player for us this season, and this is a big game. He will be keen to replicate his previous performance against Tottenham, scoring a wonderful solo goal in an emphatic 2-1 win on the road.
Predicted XI to face Spurs: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Targett; Longstaff, Bruno, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Gordon.
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