Eddie Howe’s men travel across the country this weekend to take on Bournemouth on Sunday, August 25, with kick-off at 2 PM BST. Here is our Newcastle United predicted lineup as the Magpies look to make it two wins from two.
Newcastle Predicted Lineup for Trip to the South Coast
How Newcastle Have Lined-up Recently
In their season opener against Southampton, Newcastle used a 4-3-3 formation, consistent with their pre-season system. However, the Magpies had to switch things up early on following Fabian Schar’s red card.
Emil Krafth replaced the defender, playing at centre-back alongside Dan Burn for the remainder of the match. Both played deeper positions than Schar, partly due to being a player down and partly because Joelinton had given them a lead to protect.
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Joelinton was joined by Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff in the midfield three. Howe opted for Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon as his wingers, whilst Alexander Isak led the line as expected.
Newcastle’s Recent Form and Tactics
Newcastle won their opening match 1-0, thanks to Joelinton’s cool finish on the stroke of half-time. However, this was largely due to an error by Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy in giving the ball away.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Newcastle’s defence remained resolute before a buoyant St James’s Park. Lewis Hall and Valentino Livramento put in vital blocks to protect the clean sheet.
This result built on a strong pre-season, where the Magpies won four out of five matches. Whilst they have a midweek fixture coming up – an EFL Cup match at Nottingham Forest – Eddie Howe will still look to field his strongest starting lineup.
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Kieran Trippier is unlikely to be involved as he is linked with a move to Everton. Howe’s defensive options are stretched thin, so Krafth is likely to start. Harvey Barnes and Lloyd Kelly were also used as substitutes, and so could have an outside chance of starting.
The Magpies are set for a busy end to the transfer window as well. They are still shopping for a centre-back, and are exploring alternatives to Marc Guehi, after a third bid for the Crystal Palace defender was rejected.
Newcastle Injuries to Consider
Schar joins Sandro Tonali on Newcastle’s list of suspended players. He will miss the next three matches and will not return until after the international break. Tonali, on the other hand, could be back in time for Newcastle’s clash against Tottenham on September 1.
Jamal Lascelles, Sven Botman and Lewis Miley are all out with long-term injuries. The first two are out until the end of2024, but Miley could return in October. Matt Targett returned to training last week and could feature.
Callum Wilson is nearing a return from a back injury but is unlikely to feature this weekend. Although he is “making really good progress”, Howe is eager to “manage his comeback” after an injury-strewn year last season.
Newcastle Predicted Lineup
GK: Nick Pope
RB: Valentino Livramento
RCB: Emil Krafth
LCB: Dan Burn
LB: Lewis Hall
CDM: Bruno Guimaraes
CM: Sean Longstaff
CM: Joelinton
RW: Jacob Murphy
ST: Alexander Isak
LW: Anthony Gordon
