Eddie Howe must decide whether to thrust Nick Woltemade into the Newcastle United starting XI against Wolves on Saturday.
The Magpies are finally back in Premier League action after the international break, and there could be a debut at St James’ Park.
Nick Woltemade is poised to make his first appearance, having been signing number five out of six from Newcastle’s summer transfer business.
He will be tasked with scoring the goals Alexander Isak leaves behind, ideally starting against Wolves on Saturday.
Eddie Howe has multiple selection decisions to make, and this is Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United XI to face Wolves.
Newcastle United revert to a back four
The Newcastle United manager changed his system against Leeds, going with a 3-5-2 in order to get as many bodies as possible close to Will Osula.
But with Osula unlikely to start on Saturday, Howe should be able to return to his preferred 4-3-3 formation.
That will also mean a return to his trusted back four of Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn and Tino Livramento.
Sven Botman feels poised to drop to the bench, while Lewis Hall will have to wait a bit longer for his first competitive start since February.
Eddie Howe makes Joelinton decision
Newcastle recently received an injury boost, with Joelinton spotted at the training ground after being forced off against Liverpool.
The hope has been that he would be fit after the international break, and it appears that is the case.
In an ideal world, Howe would save Joelinton for Barcelona in the Champions League. However, that might not be possible.
While Joelinton is fit to return against Wolves, Jacob Ramsey is injured. He is set for a spell on the sidelines, which is a disappointing blow so soon after his arrival from Aston Villa.
If Howe still decides to keep Joelinton in reserve, he could turn to Joe Willock.
Nick Woltemade leads the line for Newcastle United
The big headline from Newcastle United’s team news on Saturday will be who starts up front.
However, the decision became a lot easier on Friday when it emerged that Yoane Wissa is injured. He will not make his debut on Saturday, clearing the way for Woltemade to start.
- Who is Nick Woltemade? The ‘two-metre Messi-Musiala’ Newcastle United broke transfer record to sign
If Wissa were fit, he would likely be starting ahead of the Germany international. Alas, Newcastle’s newest recruit has a knee problem. The severity of it is yet to be confirmed, but there is hope that Wissa’s injury is not serious.
Woltemade could be joined in attack by Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga, who both started the Magpies’ previous game as substitutes.
Predicted XI vs Wolves: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Woltemade, Barnes.
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