Joelinton’s one-match suspension will force Eddie Howe into at least one change to his Newcastle United starting XI against Southampton. The Brazilian scored in the Magpies’ 4-0 win over Aston Villa last weekend, however picked up his fifth yellow card of the campaign.
That vacates a spot on the left wing and the Magpies head coach has plenty of options, namely Allan Saint-Maximin, Jacob Murphy and Ryan Fraser, but which player will he pick? Saint-Maximin would usually be the obvious choice but the Frenchman has only just recovered from a hamstring problem.
There has also been some concern around Callum Wilson this week after the striker told the BBC Footballer’s Football Podcast he was feeling a “little run-down”. Howe confirmed the 30-year-old is suffering from a cold but hopes to have him available at St Mary’s.
Against Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, Howe is anticipating a tough test for his side, who are looking to extend their unbeaten run to nine matches and maintain their early spot in the Champions League places.
"Southampton’s a very difficult game. I’ve got a lot of respect for Ralph (Hasenhuttl). I think he’s done a very good job there over a long period of time,” Howe said. “They’re very difficult to read and a team that changes system and personnel a lot so to try and fix what they’re going to do is tough.”
Here’s how NewcastleWorld expects Newcastle to line-up against Southampton:
1. GK: Nick Pope
A clean sheet at St Mary’s will be Pope’s seventh of the campaign.
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
The Premier League’s most in-form right-back, and what timing too ahead of the Qatar World Cup.
3. CB: Fabian Schar
Schar felt some discomfort in his hamstring during the win over Villa but is expected to be available.
4. CB: Sven Botman
Botman is looking every bit of a top-class defender as each game passes. A Netherlands call-up could well be on the cards.