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:
9. RW: Jacob Murphy (in for Alexander Isak)
Alexander Isak's potential absence will likely see Gordon move into the middle, opening up a space on the right. | Getty Images
10. LW: Harvey Barnes
Is fully deserving of his place. Has been Newcastle’s most consistent performer so far this term with three goals and an assist in his last four games. | Getty Images
11. ST: Anthony Gordon
Is Newcastle's third choice striker as Howe & Co develop Will Osula behind the scenes. | AFP via Getty Images