Newcastle United supporters will be eagerly awaiting Eddie Howe’s starting XI ahead of kick off against Everton this evening.
In the build up to the game, much of the debate for both sets of fans has centred around potential debuts for new players.
For the Magpies, Dan Burn, Matt Targett and Bruno Guimaraes could all be set for their first appearances in black-and-white.
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In his pre-match press conference, Howe would not confirm or deny whether the Brazilian midfielder, who was the marquee signing of the January transfer window, would start against the Toffees.
Meanwhile, Frank Lampard could hand debuts to Nathan Patterson, Dele Alli and Donny van de Beek in his first game in charge of Everton.
Yesterday, we asked Newcastle fans who they want to see starting this evening in a huge match in the Premier League relegation battle and here is the most popular team.
Unsurprisingly, each of the three Deadline Day signings are part of the team with supporters fully aware of this season’s defensive problems.
If Howe was to pick that exact side, it would mean he had made three changes from the 1-0 victory away at Leeds last time out.
Jamaal Lascelles and Paul Dummett would drop out of the backline for Burn and Targett while Guimaraes would be replacing Joe Willock in the middle of the park.
For some, it might seem harsh to change 50 per cent of the defence that was good enough to keep a clean sheet at Elland Road but the best available players must be picked given the battle Newcastle are facing.
It wouldn’t be particularly surprising to see Guimaraes not selected considering the lack of time he has spent with his team mates but Howe showed with his immediate integration of Kieran Trippier that he isn’t bothered by that.
In that instance that the new man isn’t included from the start at St James’ Park then he will surely feature at some stage from the bench.
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