Eddie Howe handed a lifeline to several Newcastle United players at the weekend. A settled side, playing in a 4-3-3 formation, has taken the Premier League by storm this season.
An exceptional run of form has prevented several first-team stars from having much of a look-in. Dan Burn, for example, is undroppable at left-back despite Howe having three natural alternatives to take his place.
Miguel Almiron and Joelinton, too, have been playing out of their skin for Newcastle. Their purple patch has meant Allan Saint-Maximin - who was unavailable on Saturday due to illness - is struggling to regain his place.
