NEWCASTLE PREDICTED LINE-UP VS. WEST HAM: TWO CHANGES WITH NINE POTENTIAL ABSENTEES

All the latest injury news and a predicted line-up with fresh injury concerns for Newcastle ahead of their game with West Ham.

Newcastle United are involved in Saturday’s early Premier League kick-off this weekend, as they host West Ham United at St. James’ Park in a match which will have significant ramifications for the two teams’ chances of booking a European spot once again.

Unfortunately, Newcastle come into the match with further fresh injury problems and could be missing as many as nine first-team players for a game which they will likely need to get something from in order to qualify for continental competition for the second season on the spin.

We’ve collected all of the latest injury news and updates affecting Eddie Howe’s side below, and ventured our best guess at the starting line-up – and if you’re after some information for your Fantasy Premier League team, you can also check out our high-flying FPL manager’s regular hints and tips column by clicking here.

Goalkeeper & Defence

The worst new injury issue that Howe will have to cope with is the serious knee injury suffered by Dutch defender Sven Botman during the FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Manchester City just before the international break. He is now expected to be out for six to nine months following surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament.

Elsewhere, Newcastle could have a problem at right-back. Kieran Trippier missed England’s friendlies this past week with a calf injury, although Howe described it as “minor” – adding that he hoped to have him back for West Ham but that it was “not absolutely guaranteed.” His deputy, Tino Livramento, is also a doubt thanks to a twisted ankle sustained in the recent Premier League game against Chelsea. Reports suggest that he is likely to be available, however. Goalkeeper Nick Pope (shoulder) remains out, but is targeting an April return.

Midfield

Yet another blow was a serious back injury picked up by 17-year-old midfielder Lewis Miley while on duty with England’s Under-20s team. The Stanley-born teenager is expected to be unavailable for six weeks while he recovers, meaning that there is some chance that he doesn’t feature again this season.

That’s also true of Joelinton (thigh), who faces a battle to be back in time to play in May. Harvey Barnes, meanwhile, has a minor hamstring injury and is also seen as a doubt for Saturday’s game, although it’s widely expected that he will be able to play at least some part. Sandro Tonali is the other absentee – the Italian midfielder, who is suspended until August after breaking FIFA and FIGC gambling rules, may now face fresh charges from the FA over 50 bets which were allegedly placed after he signed for Newcastle, but prior to his suspension. It remains to be seen whether he faces further punishment.

Forwards

Callum Wilson underwent surgery on a torn pectoral tendon in February and isn’t expected to be back until May at the earliest – like Miley and Joelinton, he faces a race against time to play in black and white again this season. Alexander Isak will continue to lead the line in the former Bournemouth man’s absence.

Full predicted line-up vs. West Ham

Dúbravka; Burn, Schär, Lascelles, Trippier; Bruno, Longstaff, Willock; Gordon, Almirón, Isak.

2024-03-29T08:15:30Z dg43tfdfdgfd