The Newcastle United players Eddie Howe should hand debuts to versus Everton - with Bruno Guimaraes decision made

Newcastle United play their first competitive game in 17 days when Everton visit St James’ Park on Tuesday night.

It’s a huge Premier League fixture, with a win for the Magpies lifting them just one point behind the Toffees, who sit 16th in the table.

It could also see United move out of the relegation places for the first time in four months.

For the match, head coach Eddie Howe is deciding whether to hand debuts to new signings Bruno Guimaraes, Matt Targett and Dan Burn.

Our writer Jordan Cronin reflects back on the club’s January transfer business and provides his verdict on the potential three debutants:

How do you rate Newcastle United’s January transfer business out of 10?

JC: “I’d go for a 7/10. As we sit here now, Newcastle are being equipped to stay in the Premier League than they were on January 1, and ultimately, that was the objective throughout last month. Will it be enough? Time will tell, as there is still a feeling that United are a central defender and striker short. But there will be no criticism from me, the new owners did their absolute best and spend a large sum of money too. The recruitment were dealing with a number of difficult factors, so to get five signed, in a notoriously difficult market without the ‘richest club in the world tag’ is a fantastic effort.”

Do Newcastle now have enough in their squad to stay in the Premier League?

JC: “As I said, time will tell for definite. But on paper, yes, they more than have enough because the squad is better than Burnley, Watford and Norwich City at least. The new owners have done their bit by investing heavily, now it’s over to Eddie Howe and his players to deliver survival. Kieran Trippier is the best right-back Newcastle could have possibly signed and Bruno Guimaraes is a real coup given he was admired by some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Combine those two with the Premier League experience they signed in Chris Wood, Matt Targett and Dan Burn, it should see them dry. But of course, it’s so hard to predict.”

Should Eddie Howe start Bruno Guimaraes against Everton?

JC: “Yes, yes, yes! Guimaraes landed in Newcastle on Friday afternoon after returning from international duty with Brazil. Presuming there are no days off and Howe’s side train Saturday, Sunday and Monday, that’s enough time for the midfielder to grasp what is expected and needed of him. A starting spot for Guimaraes against Everton will instantly lift the crowd, and Howe needs a vocal St James’ Park crowd more than ever for a massive night under the lights.”

And what about Dan Burn and Matt Targett?

JC: “Again, it’s a yes from me for both. Targett was clearly signed on loan for a reason so play him, especially now Jamal Lewis is out of the squad. I like Paul Dummett but Targett is more an all-rounder in terms of getting forward. Matt Ritchie, meanwhile, should only ever be considered as cover, and even that’s pushing it. Burn should start, but Howe has a big decision to make on who drops out. If he sticks with four at the back, either Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles have to make way. Schar has been United’s most consistent defender under Howe, but Lascelles, despite his struggles of late, is the club captain. A tough call.”

Score prediction for Everton?

JC: “Had I been asked me this pre-Frank Lampard, Dele Alli and Donny van de Beek, I’d have said Newcastle win but I think we’ll see a resurged Everton. Draw 1-1.”