Newcastle United supporters are ecstatic to see record signing Alexander Isak named in Eddie Howe's starting line-up against Bournemouth. Toon supporters have only seen glimpses of the Swedish international following his big-money move last summer.
Since the World Cup break, Howe has restricted Isak’s game time to cameos from the bench. A hamstring injury had ruled the 23-year-old for most of the season but he gets his chance to since from the off this afternoon.
Elsewhere, the Newcastle boss has kept faith in Allan Saint-Maximin by naming him in his team to face the Cherries. The Frenchman started his first game since August last weekend but his performance polarised fans.
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Reports in January had also linked the winger with a move to AC Milan. But Howe has ignored the noise by unleashing Saint-Maximin on his former side.
The big omission is Callum Wilson, who did not travel with the squad to the south coast. The 30-year-old had ended his 10-game goalless streak with a strike against West Ham United last weekend.
Miguel Almiron, who has not bagged since Boxing Day, clings onto his place out wide. Joelinton, Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff will once again start in midfield, with Bruno Guimaraes set to serve the second of his three-match suspension.
The customary back five of Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman and Dan Burn will also start at the Vitality Stadium. This is how supporters reacted to the news on social media.
@MagiepieChannel_: Isak & Maxi masterclass incoming
@TheMasterBucks: Saint-Maximin scoring today mark my words
@tynetakes: Nice to see isak get his start big game for him today. It’s a good side, That attack looks exciting and can hopefully click. Big game today let’s hope we can convert some more of these chances we’ve been making and get the 3 points. HWTL
@HowesTheBacon: This must be our fastest ever side? ASM, Isak, Miggy, Willock and Gordon to come off the bench. Rapid.
@16AJ289: Isak and Maxi hopefully cook up something special.
@Anagram_60: Great team selection but what has happened to Callum Wilson?
@PhilAxford: Buzzing for Isak, huge chance for him today
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