Newcastle United head to Brentford on the final day of the Premier League season with their European fate still be decided.
Eddie Howe’s side currently sit 7th in the top-flight table. Finishing 6th will guarantee European qualification but they will need to beat the Bees and hope Chelsea lose at home to Bournemouth.
Equalling Manchester United’s result away to Brighton & Hove Albion will secure 7th but that will only become an entry into Europe if Manchester City stop Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils from winning the FA Cup next week.
“It’s a big last day for us, there’s no denying that,” admitted Howe. “We go into the game against Brentford knowing we have to do our part which is try and win the game. But it’s going to be a tough game for us and then we’re in the hands of other clubs.
“The players are determined to finish on a high. The last couple of games have been difficult for us, we could have got more but we didn’t and that has left us in a position where we are looking at other results.”
After losing 3-2 to Manchester United in midweek, Howe is considering changes to his starting XI. Joelinton is in line for a recall while Nick Pope could replace Martin Dubravka in between the sticks.
Asked about recalling to Joelinton and Pope, Howe said: “Possibly. All options are open to us. With those players we’ve had to make the right decisions, not just for them but for the team.
“ There will be a next season for us and what we didn’t want to do was bring in a player, rush him back from injury and lose him again for six months. We have tried to look after the players and introduce them when they’re ready.”
Howe will also check on the fitness of Anthony Gordon after the winger injured his ankle as a result of Sofyan Amrabat’s challenge, an incident referee Robert Jones or VAR deemed as a penalty.
Here, NewcastleWorld predicts how Newcastle will line-up at the Gtech Stadium:
1. GK: Nick Pope (in for Martin Dubravka)
Pope has only recently returned from five months out but fans are keen to see him recalled after three consecutive bench appearances. | Getty Images
2. RB: Emil Krafth
Selected ahead of Kieran Trippier at right-back. | Getty Images
3. CB: Fabian Schar (in for Kieran Trippier)
Emil Krafth performed OK against Man Utd but Newcastle have missed Schar’s ability to carry the ball forward and pick passes. | Getty Images
4. CB: Dan Burn
The Blyth-born defender has barely put a foot wrong since moving back into the centre of defence. | Manchester United via Getty Imag