Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United team selection feels straightforward for the game against West Ham.
The Magpies return to Premier League action on Monday night, with West Ham United travelling to St James’ Park for a game underneath the lights.
Eddie Howe’s side are the favourites. Paul Merson thinks Newcastle will comfortably win, while Chris Sutton has also predicted a Magpies victory.
That comes as no surprise. West Ham are seriously struggling, while Newcastle have won three on the bounce and will be confident of making it four in front of a home crowd.
But it will be a tough game, and this is Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United starting XI to face West Ham.
Lloyd Kelly starts for Newcastle United
There will definitely be one change to the Newcastle United team that started the 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest.
Dan Burn is suspended, with the defender picking up his fifth booking of the season at the City Ground.
That presents Lloyd Kelly with an opportunity, as the summer signing prepares to start at centre-back for the first time in the Premier League for his new club.
It is a chance for Kelly to prove to Howe that he should play more, and Newcastle fans will have confidence in the 26-year-old after his performance in the Carabao Cup win over Chelsea.
Burn will be a big miss, but Kelly believes he can be a ‘leader’ for Newcastle, and will be eager to seize this opportunity.
Bench boost at St James’ Park after injury
While there may only be one change to the starting XI, Eddie Howe’s bench could be a bit stronger against West Ham on Monday night.
There is a chance Callum Wilson could be fit, with the Newcastle United striker set to train ahead of the game at St James’ Park.
We are anticipating he will be on the bench, and he should be joined by Kieran Trippier. The 34-year-old has also been out injured, but Howe has stated that he is now back in training. The Newcastle United manager also said that Trippier is closer to returning than Wilson.
Eddie Howe makes Joelinton decision vs West Ham
Given how well he has done in recent weeks, it feels absolutely certain that Joelinton will start out wide against West Ham. However, Howe must decide whether to deploy him on the right or the left.
The Brazilian has been starting on the left, but moved to the opposite flank during the win over Nottingham Forest. That decision paid off, as Joelinton scored the goal that put the Magpies in front from that side of the pitch.
And with Anthony Gordon preferring to operate down the left, it feels likely that Howe could appease the 23-year-old by playing him in his favourite position.
That would mean Joelinton on the right, with Alexander Isak through the middle.
Predicted XI vs West Ham: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Kelly, Hall; Longstaff, Bruno, Willock; Joelinton, Isak, Gordon.
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