Newcastle United face Norwich on Tuesday night in their biggest game of the season so far.
It will only be Eddie Howe’s third game as Toon boss, but he is already under pressure to get a big result.
A win against Norwich and fans can start to believe there may be a great escape. Lose and it’s hard to see how on earth we can survive in the Premier League.
It’s a huge game, and it will be Howe’s first at St James’ Park. But who will he pick to hopefully guide Newcastle to their first win of the season?
Still no Federico Fernandez
Suspensions for Jamaal Lascelles and Matt Ritchie mean Howe will have to make two changes in defence.
We expect Howe to continue with a back four like he did on Saturday, but with two enforced changes.
A lot of fans want Federico Fernandez to return to the starting XI, but the Argentine seems massively out of favour. The last time he was even on the bench was the defeat to Tottenham – Steve Bruce’s final game.
His absence is curious, but we expect it to continue against Norwich. Ciaran Clark started Howe’s first game as manager, and he seems most likely to join Fabian Schar in defence.
Big chance for Jamal Lewis
Another player who has been massively out of favour is Jamal Lewis. But Ritchie’s suspension should give him the opportunity he needs.
Howe could go for a curveball and play either Javi Manquillo or Ryan Fraser on the left, but the £15million signing deserves a chance to prove himself.
The Northern Ireland international hasn’t started a Premier League game since the 1-1 draw with Wolves in February.
He’s been ousted by Ritchie since then, but the Norwich clash could be the chance Lewis has needed to reclaim his place in the starting XI.
Miguel Almiron starts
Miguel Almiron was bright when he came off the bench against Arsenal, and did enough to warrant a start against Norwich.
The Paraguayan hasn’t played much under Howe so far, but looked lively on Saturday.
Almiron could take Fraser’s place on the right wing. The Scotland international was quiet at the Emirates, and a chance could be on the cards with fixtures coming thick and fast.
Predicted XI vs Norwich: Dubravka; Krafth, Schar, Clark, Lewis; Almiron, Shelvey, Willock, Saint-Maximin; Joelinton, Wilson.
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