Newcastle United’s hectic schedule enters a peak period with newly-promoted Burnley the visitors to St James’ Park this afternoon (kick-off 3pm).
Having played Brentford, AC Milan and Sheffield United in the space of eight days, Eddie Howe made 10 changes for the Carabao Cup fixture against Manchester City in midweek and his bold selection paid off with a 1-0 victory to advance into the fourth round.
The win over the English and European begins a spell on four games in 12 days with Burnley falling before Wednesday evening’s Champions League clash against French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Some members of Howe’s squad have felt the effects of the busy schedule. Callum Wilson and Sven Botman were missing in midweek through injury, while Dan Burn and Martin Dubravka sat out due to illness.
And during the game, Alexander Isak departed with a calf issue and Bruno Guimaraes twisted his ankle.
With injuries and the schedule in mind, here’s the Newcastle starting XI we’re predicting Howe to name:
1. GK: Nick Pope
Looking for his fifth consecutive clean sheet after keeping Brentford, AC Milan, Sheffield United and Man City.
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
Top quality performances against AC Milan and Sheffield United saw the England man rested versus Man City.
3. CB: Fabian Schar
Schar was rested against Man City but came on as a late substitute in place of the injured Paul Dummett.
4. CB: Sven Botman
Botman was left out v Man City because of a knee injury but is expected to be OK against Burnley.