Predicted Newcastle United XI vs Bournemouth as Eddie Howe recalls £28m star

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Eddie Howe must rotate when Newcastle United face Bournemouth on Sunday.

Newcastle’s defeat to Barcelona was energy-sapping. The Magpies spent a lot of the night chasing shadows, with Hansi Flick’s side easily retaining possession.

Bruno Guimaraes said Barcelona were annoying because of their ability to keep the ball, as they taught Newcastle United a lesson in the Champions League.

Now it is back to the Premier League, as Eddie Howe prepares for the difficult challenge of facing his former club at the Vitality Stadium.

It will be an emotional homecoming for Howe, and this is Geordie Boot Boys‘ predicted Newcastle United XI to face Bournemouth.

Lewis Hall starts in new-look Newcastle United defence

The Newcastle United defence has been largely settled this season, bar the draw with Leeds where Howe deployed a back five.

But the Magpies’ trusted back four will be split up on Sunday. Fabian Schar is injured, while Kieran Trippier was also forced off during the defeat to Barcelona.

That should create openings for Malick Thiaw and Lewis Hall to start for the first time this season. The latter has not started a competitive game since February after undergoing foot surgery.

If the £28million man does come into the starting XI, it will mean a change from left-back to right-back for Tino Livramento.

• Who is Lewis Hall? Newcastle United’s star left-back who is destined for England greatness

Eddie Howe sticks with trusted midfield trio

Newcastle United’s midfield were taught a lesson by Barcelona. Pedri and Frenkie de Jong were sensational, bossing the game against what is considered the Premier League’s best midfield.

Bruno and co will be keen to bounce back as soon as possible, and should get that opportunity against Bournemouth.

It feels likely that Howe will stick with his trusted trio of Bruno, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton, leaving Joe Willock and Lewis Miley in reserve on the bench.

Nick Woltemade recalled against Bournemouth

Howe decided to drop Woltemade for the Barcelona game, keeping one eye on Sunday’s trip to the south coast. That decision received a lot of criticism from supporters who wanted to see the giant German in Champions League action.

Newcastle’s most expensive signing should be back in the starting XI against Bournemouth, as he attempts to build on his dream debut at St James’ Park.

• Who is Nick Woltemade? The ‘two-metre Messi-Musiala’ Newcastle United broke transfer record to sign

It is unclear who Woltemade will be flanked by. Harvey Barnes looks likely to start due to Anthony Gordon’s suspension, while Anthony Elanga and Jacob Murphy are battling it out to start on the right.

They both contributed against Barcelona. Elanga had his best Newcastle game, while Murphy got the assist for Gordon’s goal.

It could go either way, but Geordie Boot Boys are backing the Swedish speedster to retain his place.

Predicted XI vs Bournemouth: Pope; Livramento, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Woltemade, Barnes.