Newcastle travel to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday as they look to rediscover their winning form. Eddie Howe's men had gone on an incredible nine match unbeaten run to pull clear of Premier League relegation trouble but headed into the international break on the back of two defeats.
The Magpies now take on Champions League chasing Spurs and Howe has a genuine selection headache in midfield to contend with. Big money January signing Bruno Guimaraes was made to be patient for his opportunity given the form of Newcastle's midfield trio of Joe Willock, Jonjo Shelvey and Joelinton.
However, injuries and illness presented the Brazilian international with his chance and he impressed during three successive starts in March. He has then backed that up with is national team, bagging a goal and two assists as the Selecao sealed top sport in South America World Cup qualifying.
Willock, Shelvey and Joelinton are all fit ahead of the weekend, though, leaving Howe with a big decision to make over his starting midfield three. Here, our Chronicle Live writers offer their thoughts on who should get the nod and you can let us know your thoughts by voting here.
READ MORE: The mentality Eddie Howe has drummed into his Newcastle United team ahead of Tottenham test
Lee Ryder
It's hard to believe we are living in the same season when Newcastle United's XI once effectively picked itself. But under Eddie Howe there are players in every position vying for a slot. Whether that's down to the fact that Newcastle can buy players in any position now and it has turned up the heat on the squad is up for debate.
But it has led us to an intriguing battle for midfielder places. We know four into three won't go as far as Howe's 4-3-3 formation is concerned. And we know that's the formation Eddie likes the best as he's used it nine times this season.
Therefore who drops out if Jonjo Shelvey, Joe Willock, Bruno and Joelinton are all fit. Shelvey was playing well before being struck by illness and Newcastle then lost two matches without him.
However, for me Bruno is very much the main man in the middle, Joelinton has had a great season and dare I suggest that Willock has more of a goal threat. Does that make the perfect package?
Shelvey is more than a capable back-up option at Spurs. And with three home games to follow there is every chance he will be involved as the squad rotates next time. It's a tight call, but Bruno, Willock and Joelinton get the nod for this game in my view.
Lee's trio: Willock, Guimaraes, Joelinton
Chris Knight
This is a very tough call, and is testament to the improvement Howe has brought from the squad. It was not so long ago that midfield was seen as an area of weakness - fast-forward a couple of months and it is now arguably Newcastle's strongest area.
Guimaraes could have to settle for a place on the bench due to his exploits on international duty with Brazil. However, if he is deemed fit enough to start, I believe this is a contest where Newcastle will need their marquee January signing.
Tottenham are in good form, and Howe will need to come up with a plan to keep Dejan Kulusevski, Song Heung-min and Harry Kane quiet. Guimaraes and Shelvey could provide a stable foundation as two 'sixes', and I would go for Joelinton over Willock to provide slightly more defensive protection.
This system showed promise in the victory at Southampton, and Guimaraes could always be pushed forward if the visitors are chasing a goal.
Chris' trio: Guimaraes, Joelinton, Shelvey
Aaron Stokes
Earlier this week when I was pondering Eddie Howe's selection headache, I was convinced I would have Jonjo Shelvey in my three-man midfield. With Tottenham's back line showing signs of frailty at times this season, the former Liverpool midfielder could have a field day spraying passes in behind and exposing Conte's attack-minded full-backs.
But when it came to writing this, I couldn't justify leaving three others out. Provided he isn't feeling the effects of playing for Brazil on Wednesday morning, Bruno Guimaraes walks into the starting XI following his fine display on international duty.
Joelinton is another it would be hard to drop, with the fellow Brazilian enjoying his new role in the middle of the park. The £40m man offers pressing, tackling, blocks and will cover more ground than most in north London on Sunday.
Finally, Joe Willock has been looking like his old self of late and can offer the threat in front of goal that Joelinton lacks. So apologies to Shelvey - but I think he misses out.
Aaron's trio: Guimaraes, Willock, Joelinton
Sean McCormick
I think this is comfortably the biggest selection dilemma Eddie Howe has faced during his short time in charge of Newcastle United. Jonjo Shelvey, Joe Willock and Joelinton made themselves undroppable during Newcastle's nine match unbeaten run in the Premier League but since the trio suffered from injuries and illness, both Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff came into the side and impressed.
While Longstaff probably finds himself fifth choice, despite being highly rated by Howe, there isn't much to split the other four when it comes to picking United's strongest midfield trio - particularly given Bruno's goal at Southampton and impressive displays against Chelsea and Everton, as well as his exploits with Brazil this week.
It would be harsh to drop one but, long term, I think Bruno will become the central lynchpin of the three man midfield and Willock and Joelinton offer more energy either side meaning it is likely Shelvey will be the man to give way - despite his improvement under Howe.
In terms of Tottenham, Bruno being on international duty away from the group may alter Howe's thinking but I would be surprised if Willock, Bruno and Joelinton isn't Newcastle's nailed down starting midfield trio come the end of the season.
Sean's trio: Willock, Guimaraes, Joelinton
Andrew Musgrove
It's a really difficult choice to make this - but then that's why Eddie Howe is paid the big money to do so. First off, it's a positive dilemma to have - four midfielders in good form, with another in Sean Longstaff also not far off the pace. Perhaps surprising to most, Newcastle really did miss Jonjo Shelvey in recent games and that's testament to the way the former Liverpool man has stepped up his game since the arrival of Howe.
As good as Bruno has been, he has been away on international duty - and you have to factor in the travel time and the impact that has. That very fact gives Howe a reason in many ways to 'rest' Guimaraes for Sunday's clash with Spurs. I think Howe will go with Shelvey, Joelinton and Longstaff. It might be a surprising choice for many but I think Longstaff's ability to press will help United against Tottenham, and Willock can come off the bench and hopefully make an impact later in the game.
Andrew's trio: Longstaff, Shelvey, Joelinton
Matthew Ketchell
This combination gives the most balance, I feel. Guimaraes as the 'No.6' in the deeper pocket linking defence and attack, winning the ball and making killer passes. Joelinton as a 'No.8' has proven he can be a reliable ball carrier and strong tackler - he can hold it up excellently when needed in the transition, while Willock is the 'No.10' if you like, bringing pace and creativity.
If he can rediscover his goalscoring touch this could be the midfield that has everything. Jonjo Shelvey has been markedly better since Eddie Howe arrived, but I'm afraid Guimaraes takes his role when all are fit.
Matthew's trio: Willock, Guimaraes, Joelinton
We want to hear your thoughts, so LOG IN and leave your comment below and vote on our midfield survey below. Click here if it isn't displaying correctly on your device
