Eddie Howe has a major injury concern ahead of Newcastle United’s game against Crystal Palace.
It is unclear whether his captain will be available, with Bruno Guimaraes picking up an injury in the defeat to West Ham.
Bruno hopes the injury is not serious, but it remains to be seen whether the Newcastle United midfielder is going to be ruled out for a period of games.
The concern is that Bruno was not spotted in Newcastle training this week, which at least suggests he is a doubt to face Crystal Palace.
With Bruno’s availability up in the air, here is Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United XI to face Crystal Palace.
One change in defence for Newcastle United
Whether Bruno is fit or not, it feels almost certain that there will be at least one change to the Newcastle United starting lineup on Saturday.
Lloyd Kelly really struggled against West Ham, blowing his big chance to prove he should be a regular starter at centre-back.
With Dan Burn available once again after suspension, he should reclaim his place in the starting XI alongside Fabian Schar at the heart of defence.
They will be joined by Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, despite Kieran Trippier’s return from injury. The 34-year-old will continue to provide cover on the bench, having completed his comeback during the defeat to West Ham.
Eddie Howe makes Bruno Guimaraes decision
I am going to predict that Bruno Guimaraes will not feature in Newcastle’s starting lineup against Crystal Palace.
Howe says Bruno has a chance of playing, with the Toon boss confirming that he has avoided a serious injury.
Even if the Brazilian is fit enough to be involved, Sandro Tonali should replace Bruno Guimaraes in midfield.
With Liverpool looming on Wednesday night, Howe needs to manage his squad. Bruno has played a lot of football, while he has already had a muscle scare this week.
While he might be fit enough to feature, Howe should use this game as a chance to rotate and give Tonali an opportunity in the ‘number six’ role.
While Bruno may miss out, Joe Willock should be fit to start. The £25million man was forced off at half-time with a leg injury during the defeat to West Ham, but has trained ahead of the trip to Selhurst Park.
Newcastle tweak their attack vs Crystal Palace
Newcastle will likely go with the same front three that has started their last three games, with Alexander Isak flanked by Anthony Gordon and Joelinton.
However, Howe might be tempted to make a minor change.
Against West Ham, Gordon was on the left and Joelinton was on the right. It did not work, with Joelinton summing up why Newcastle need another right winger.
While Gordon might not like it, Howe should revert back to playing Joelinton on the left. It will allow him to combine with Joe Willock down that flank, while Gordon has a better understanding with Tino Livramento than the big Brazilian.
Isak will lead the line, with Callum Wilson providing support from the bench.
READ MORE: Who is Alexander Isak? Age, Height, Family, Nationality, Roots
Predicted XI vs Crystal Palace: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Longstaff, Tonali, Willock; Gordon, Isak, Joelinton.
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