Newcastle United predicted XI vs Bournemouth: One key change made as Eddie Howe given attacking dilemma

Newcastle United are slowly but surely rebuilding their Premier League campaign. A thrilling 3-2 victory at Nottingham Forest lifted Eddie Howe’s side up to seventh - although failing to win would have left them 10th.

The Magpies are unbeaten in four games across all competitions since losing to Manchester City a month ago. Another three points against Bournemouth - a game they should be expected to win - will maintain the pressure on those in the European places.

But what team will face the Cherries? Injuries, as has often been the case this season, have made up Howe’s selection dilemmas for him.

The Magpies were dealt another setback in midweek that will have consequences on their attacking trio. Here is your 3 Added Minutes predicted line-up for Newcastle as they prepare to exert revenge on Bournemouth for a 2-0 defeat in November.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Howe has stayed loyal to the same trusted backline in recent times. Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman and Dan Burn were a staple of the team who finished fourth last season. However, they have shipped goals for fun of late, conceding 14 in their previous five Premier League games. Burn, in particular, has come under criticism - with fans debating whether Tino Livramento deserves his chance.

The Blyth-born defender was suspect for Nottingham Forest’s first goal last weekend, with Anthony Elanga running him ragged. Between the sticks, Martin Dubravka will start as Nick Pope remains injured.

Midfield

There has been a lot asked of Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley in recent months. Injuries have stripped Howe of the chance to rotate his engine room and the trio will start again this weekend.

Guimaraes was the difference-maker against Forest - scoring twice to cement his status as Newcastle’s main man. There have been murmurings about Joe Willock - who has not been seen since the reverse fixture at Bournemouth - potentially returning for selection. The former Arsenal man would be a welcome addition to Howe’s ranks given his athleticism. Willock will make the bench, at best, if he does make the matchday squad.

Attack

This is where Howe’s biggest selection dilemma lies. Callum Wilson ruptured his pectoral muscle in the dying embers at the City Ground and has been ruled out for up to 12 weeks.

With Alexander Isak also injured, the Magpies do not have a first-team striker available to face Bournemouth. Anthony Gordon was a surprise inclusion in the line-up last weekend and will likely be asked to lead the attack. Harvey Barnes got more minutes under his belt and Howe must make a call about whether he can feature from the start. On the right, it appears a straight shoot-out between Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy.

Predicted XI: Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Guimaraes, Longstaff, Miley; Almiron, Barnes, Gordon