Newcastle have had a wealth of injury issues since the start of the season, so with the fitness picture looking healthier, Steve Bruce may soon have his strongest side available.
But just what would his strongest side actually be?
There are a number of players who have been missing for long periods, and have almost become forgotten men, such as Florian Lejeune and Dwight Gayle.
A number have recently returned, with Allan Saint-Maximin finally getting his chance, and DeAndre Yedlin making a welcome return to the fold.
We have picked what we consider Steve Bruce’s best starting XI once everyone is fit and available.
Goalkeeper
Obviously, the goalkeeping position picks itself right now, with Martin Dubravka being the undoubted choice.
Should he agree a new contract, however, and the Magpies can agree a long-term deal with Freddie Woodman, there may well be a real dilemma in the coming seasons.
Defence
A tricky one to answer, particularly given that centre-back is currently our best position in terms of quality squad depth. It also depends on Bruce’s preferred formation.
We have gone for five at the back, with Yedlin and Jetro Willems as wing-backs.
In the middle, it would have to be Fabian Schar, alongside Jamaal Lascelles, with the final place being between Paul Dummett and Lejeune.
If fully fit, Lejeune would get the nod, but likely to be rotated with Dummett, as his fitness is still a concern. If both show a high level of consistency, on current form, it would be Lascelles who would need to look over his shoulder.
Midfield
Matty Longstaff made an incredible impact on his debut, but he would miss out – for now – if everyone is fit. As would the woeful Jonjo Shelvey, who should have had his last chance at St James’ Park.
Isaac Hayden and Sean Longstaff would be the two first choice starters in the middle. Their defensive ability, as well as vision for spotting a telling pass, would see them as the backbone of midfield.
Alongside them, it would be Matt Ritchie and Allan Saint-Maximin, with them playing a wider role, while getting up to support the striker whenever possible.
Ritchie’s sheer workrate would make him an asset in any side.
While I would love to include Miguel Almiron, it is hard to see him finding his form until he has managed to grab his elusive goal. Assuming that will not happen soon, a spell on the bench will be the best thing for him, and the side.
Forward
Assuming he can discover the form that persuaded Newcastle to sign him, Joelinton would have to start in attack.
He has come under fire for his lack of goals so far, but that is largely down to the lack of support given to him, and the amount of work he is having to do with his back to goal.
In a proper lineup that can assist him, and with the real threat of a fit again Andy Carroll as competition, the Brazilian will start to score goals.
Potential strongest XI: Dubravka; Yedlin, Schar, Lascelles, Lejeune, Willems; Saint-Maximin, S Longstaff, Hayden, Ritchie; Joelinton
Subs: Darlow, Krafth, Dummett, M Longstaff, Almiron, Carroll, Atsu
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