After a draw vs. Spurs last weekend, Newcastle United will be looking for all three points when they travel to face Burnley. In a rare winnable match, this could be the starting XI that Steve Bruce selects.
Without needing five defenders to contain a prolific attack, I’d expect Bruce will return to a 4-3-1-2 or 4-3-3, however you look at it.
The attack should be back at full-force. Callum Wilson was close to a return vs. Spurs and will likely lead the line vs. Burnley. Allan Saint-Maximin, after a substitute appearance last weekend, will take up his starting role on the left side. Wilson and ASM scored the three goals in NUFC’s win over Burnley earlier this season.
Miguel Almiron will either play as a number 10 behind those two or on the wing opposite Saint-Maximin in a 4-3-3. It would be the first time the club’s top three attacking players were on the pitch at the same time since the Southampton match on February 6th.
In the midfield, Jonjo Shelvey has been a lock to start recently and Joe Willock should return to the starting XI after his late equalizer vs. Tottenham. Sean Longstaff didn’t play poorly over the weekend and should be given another chance to start, but Bruce is always liable to squeeze Jeff Hendrick into the mix.
Newcastle United’s attack should be at full force when they face Burnley on Sunday.
Matt Ritchie really brought something to the squad on Sunday and he should start at left-back over Jamal Lewis. In the central defense, Jamaal Lascelles will captain the side and should be joined by either Ciaran Clark or Federico Fernandez, if he’s healthy.
At right-back, the choice should be between the attacking prowess of Jacob Murphy or the best all-around option in Javier Manquillo. Emil Krafth is not the man for the job and Bruce should drop him vs. the Clarets.
In goal, Martin Dubravka will get the call, per usual. He wasn’t at his best vs. Spurs, but he’s the first-choice goalkeeper and didn’t jeopardize that position.