Newcastle United expected starting XI vs Bournemouth: Bruno Guimaraes, Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin calls made

Eddie Howe stayed tight-lipped when asked about Bruno Guimaraes, Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson’s fitness ahead of facing Bournemouth.

Newcastle United have been without the trio for a sizeable period and many hoped, after last weekend’s postponement versus West Ham, this would be the game they would return.

And while that still might remain the case - although we’re hearing only one will return - we won’t know for definite until Howe names his starting line-up at 2pm this afternoon.

It’s set to be an emotional day at St James’ Park. Not only will both sides pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, Howe will face Bournemouth for the first time since leaving two years ago.

“It’s not just about me - we’ve got a lot of people who’ve got a lot of connections with the club,” Howe said during his pre-match press conference. “I personally feel a huge sense of gratitude to the club, to everyone connected with the club during my time there.

“I wouldn’t be sat in this position now if it wasn’t for AFC Bournemouth and I just want to say a big thank you to everyone there. Obviously we’re competing to win the game and desperate to do so, but it will be a special game.

“I do look back from time to time in terms of my work but in terms of sitting down and thinking about what we did, I’m not not that way inclined. At this stage of my career, for me it’s always about the next achievement rather than looking back.

“Hopefully I’ll get grey and old and there will come a time when I probably will look at it differently, but at the moment it’s about the future and it’s about tomorrow.”

Nevertheless, Howe is fully focussed on Newcastle United and claiming a second three points of the season that will cement what has been a promising before the two-week international break.

Here’s how NewcastleWorld is expecting Newcastle United to line-up against the Cherries:

GK: Nick Pope

RB: Kieran Trippier

CB: Fabian Schar

CB: Sven Botman

LB: Matt Targett

CM: Bruno Guimaraes (in for Sean Longstaff)

CM: Joelinton

CM: Joe Willock

RW: Miguel Almiron

ST: Alexander Isak

LW: Ryan Fraser