Newcastle United will look to make it two straight victories when they host West Ham United this weekend after topping Burnley at Turf Moor. With a group getting healthy at the right time, Steve Bruce will have some choices to make for his starting XI vs. the Hammers.
Bruce is not one to change tactics when things go well, so it’s safe to assume he will stick with the 5-3-2 or something close to it. Martin Dubravka made some big stops vs. Burnley and will be between the sticks.
In front of him, Federico Fernandez made his return from injury and looked great. With Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar both out with long-term injuries, Ciaran Clark and Paul Dummett are the obvious choices next to Fernandez in the three-man central defense.
Matt Ritchie and Jacob Murphy proved again that they can bring an added dimension to the starting group and should get another chance at wing-back.
Steve Bruce will finally have his attacking group healthy for Newcastle United vs. West Ham United.
In the midfield, Jonjo Shelvey will captain the side and I don’t expect Bruce to drop Sean Longstaff, despite having the multi-dimensional Joe Willock at his disposal.
Finally back from injury, Callum Wilson will lead the line after coming off the bench vs. Burnley. One of the best performers in the Premier League last week, Allan Saint-Maximin will start next to him as either a second striker or on the wing. Miguel Almiron will also slot in on a wing or potentially as a number ten.
Ideally, the Newcastle lineup wouldn’t include a five-man defense and you could replace a central defender with either Joelinton on a wing or up top or Willock as another central midfielder. But, Bruce will stick with what works and will have his full attack back vs. West Ham.