Newcastle United are in good shape ahead of Sunday’s Premier League encounter against Manchester United at St James’ Park (kick-off 4:30pm).
After revealing a number of injury concerns ahead of the two-week international break, Magpies head coach Eddie Howe provided a positive update at Friday’s pre-match press conference.
Howe confirmed Nick Pope and Fabian Schar are in better shape after both players played through the pain barrier during the 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest.
Sven Botman seems to be OK after being forced to withdraw from the Netherlands squad due to food poisoning, while Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin have benefitted from the break.
And in another boost for Howe, Joelinton is back available after serving a two-match for picking up 10 yellow cards this season.
With some big selection calls to make, NewcastleWorld predicted the starting XI Howe will name to take on the Red Devils. By securing three points, the Magpies can leapfrog their visitors into third in the Premier League table.
1. Newcastle United's English head coach Eddie Howe (centre right) embraces Newcastle United's Swedish striker Alexander Isak as Newcastle players celebrate after the English Premier League football match between Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United at The City Ground in Nottingham, central England, on March 17, 2023. - Newcastle won the game 2-1. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe hugs Alexander Isak after his brace against Nottingham Forest. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
2. GK: Nick Pope
Pope was forced to withdraw from the England squad with a thigh problem but has trained ahead of Sunday’s game. Photo: OLI SCARFF
3. RB: Kieran Trippier
Trippier played the remaining 10 minutes of England’s win in Italy but was an unused sub v Ukraine. On Tyneside, he’s a guaranteed starter.
4. CB: Fabian Schar
Schar has been nursing a foot injury in recent months and will have benefited from the two-week international break.