Newcastle United travel to the capital looking to bounce back from consecutive defeats when they take on Tottenham Hotspur this weekend. Defeats to Chelsea and Everton have blunted the Magpies’ top-half ambitions but a surprise win in North London could lift them to 12th.
On the injury front, Eddie Howe announced ahead of the clash that Jonjo Shelvey, Fabian Schar and Martin Dubravka should all be in contention. Shelvey missed both recent defeats through illness whereas Schar and Dubravka returned to Newcastle early from their respective international sides.
Talisman Allan Saint-Maximin - who has not started since the 1-0 win against Aston Villa in February - is fully fit following the week-long training camp in Dubai. Howe will likely choose Ryan Fraser on the opposite flank after a recent good run of form.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe verdict on Newcastle midfield battle
Most of the defence picks itself as Matt Targett, Dan Burn and the returning Schar have all excelled since January. However, right-back does provide some food for thought as Javier Manquillo and Emil Krafth battle it out for a starting place. The latter was away with Sweden during the international break, meaning Manquillo will probably be given the nod.
The big dilemma comes in midfield, with Joe Willock, Joelinton, Shelvey, Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff all fighting for three central positions. Guimaraes is in fine form but has only just returned from Brazil duties. The ‘triple Jo’ combination of Willock, Joelinton and Shelvey - that helped inspire Newcastle to a nine-game unbeaten run - could be in line to return.
Predicted XI: Dubravka; Manquillo, Schar, Burn, Targett; Shelvey, Willock, Joelinton; Saint-Maximin, Fraser, Wood
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