Newcastle United will have Eddie Howe back in the St James’ Park dugout for the game against Ipswich Town on Saturday.
The Magpies are aiming to get back to winning ways after their defeat to Aston Villa, and are boosted by the return of Eddie Howe.
It has been announced that the Newcastle United manager is back to work after recovering from pneumonia.
Having missed the Magpies’ last three games, Howe returns to welcome Ipswich Town to St James’ Park. It is a must-win game, as his team go in search of Champions League qualification.
Three points will lift them up to third in the Premier League, and this is Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United XI to face Ipswich Town.
Fabian Schar starts for Newcastle United
The big question mark going into the game surrounds Fabian Schar’s fitness.
He was substituted during the defeat to Aston Villa due to a hamstring concern. Schar was not pictured in training ahead of Saturday’s game versus Ipswich, raising concerns over his availability.
However, given the fact that Schar was merely substituted at Villa Park as a precaution, that will hopefully mean he is fit to start in an unchanged backline.
Sven Botman returns after knee surgery
Newcastle United have been without Sven Botman since their Carabao Cup semi-final win over Arsenal.
He has been absent after undergoing knee surgery, but is closing in on a return. Jason Tindall hinted that the £32million defender could be available for the Ipswich Town game.
While Newcastle will not rush Botman, it will be great if he is fit enough to be on the bench at St James’ Park.
No changes in attack against Ipswich Town
It is bad news for Anthony Gordon, who will likely start on the bench yet again on Saturday.
While Newcastle were poor against Aston Villa, it is difficult to envision Howe altering his forward line.
Harvey Barnes got another assist last week, meaning he has eight goal contributions in his last six Premier League games. The 27-year-old continues to be decisive, and deserves to start on the left wing again.
He will join Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy in attack. They both scored in Newcastle’s 4-0 win over Ipswich in December, with Isak netting the only hat-trick of his Toon career so far.
Predicted XI vs Ipswich: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Barnes.
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