Newcastle United host Premier League champions Manchester City at St James’ Park on Saturday and Eddie Howe, once again, has some big selection calls to make.
The Magpies suffered their first defeat of the new season against Fulham last weekend as they left Craven Cottage with more questions than answers.
Howe rotated both full-backs with Kieran Trippier and Lloyd Kelly getting the nod, while Joe Willock came into the three-man midfield with Harvey Barnes replacing Jacob Murphy in attack.
Losing 2-0 at half-time, Howe swapped Hall for Kelly and Murphy for Willock. His side gradually improved - Murphy assisted Barnes moments after entering the pitch - but Newcastle ultimately fell to a 3-1 loss.
Concerns were raised about the midfield balance, with many supporters seeing Sandro Tonali as the man to help change that while the rotation of the full-backs suggests Howe doesn’t yet know his best two.
Howe is also hoping to get a tune out of the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak, who have endured slow starts to the campaign.
Here’s the Newcastle starting XI we’re predicting Howe to name:
5. LB: Lewis Hall (in for Lloyd Kelly)
Brings an attacking threat down the left side but will need to be alert defensively. | Getty Images
6. CM: Bruno Guimaraes
Appointed captain in the summer but has struggled to reach his best levels, though he isn’t the only one. | Getty Images
7. CM: Sandro Tonali (in for Joe Willock)
Tonali is the man every supporter wants to see as the Italian awaits his first Premier League start for almost 12 months. | Getty Images
8. CM: Joelinton
Is a far better performer on home soil than he is away. Has struggled massively on the road this season. | Carl Recine