You don’t usually change a winning side if you can help it – but Eddie Howe knows he must do just that today when he returns to his old club Bournemouth with Newcastle United.
After the crippling injuries of last season, the Magpies head coach was able to field something close to his strongest XI in last weekend’s season-opener against Southampton, although Sven Botman and Sandro Tonali were still missing, along with Callum Wilson, Jamaal Lascelles and Lewis Miley.
However, Fabian Schar’s red card – and unsuccessful appeal – means Howe must make one change to his starting line up today. Emil Krafth and Lloyd Kelly are competing to starting alongside Dan Burn at the heart of the defence, while Kieran Trippier is closer to match fitness and therefore could challenge Tino Livramento at right-back.
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As always, we asked you to pick your starting XI for the game at the Vitality Stadium, and the most popular choice from all selections sees two big calls. Fans have gone for new signing Kelly to make his first start for the club on the ground where he has played so much of his football in recent years.
Kelly was a free signing from today’s opponents Bournemouth and supporters have backed him to start, with Livramento continuing at right-back. Elsewhere it’s the same team which began against the Saints, with Jacob Murphy given the nod over Miguel Almiron and Harvey Barnes on the right, alongside Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.
Tonali can return against Nottingham Forest in midweek, but for now fans have opted for the usual midfield of Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, with Joe Willock the man missing out. We’ll have full team news and all the build up as it happens right here on ChronicleLive.
Newcastle United fans XI vs Bournemouth: Pope; Livramento, Kelly, Burn, Hall; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak Gordon.
Newcastle United fans have picked their starting XI for Bournemouth
Newcastle United fans have picked their starting XI for Bournemouth
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