Newcastle United’s line-up to face Bournemouth: Two changes as Bruno Guimaraes returns

Bruno Guimaraes returns to Newcastle United’s starting XI against Bournemouth - as Eddie Howe names two changes.

Dan Burn replaces Sven Botman in central defence to partner Fabian Schar. But the big news is that Guimaraes’ return.

The Brazilian has missed United’s previous three games against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Liverpool and Crystal Palace with a hamstring problem.

Guimaraes forms a three-man midfield alongside Joelinton and Joe Willock, while Alexander Isak starts up top for his third Magpies start.

Loris Karius is named on the bench in place after signing as cover to Karl Darlow, who picked up an ankle injury in training.

“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 on facing former club Bournemouth. 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.”

Newcastle United XI: Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Matt Targett, Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock, Joelinton, Ryan Fraser, Miguel Almiron, Alexander Isak.

Subs: Loris Karius, Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, Matt Ritchie, Jamal Lewis, Javier Manquillo, Chris Wood, Jacob Murphy, Sean Longstaff.