Newcastle United supporters will be wishing Alexander Isak is fit in time to face Everton in their Premier League finale at St James’ Park on Sunday.
Isak missed the 1-0 defeat away to Arsenal last weekend, with manager Eddie Howe stating they did not want to take any risks, with the striker feeling muscle stiffness that flared up after training.
Knowing that they only needed one win from their final two games to ensure Champions League qualification, it is likely leaving Isak out was precautionary, in order to make sure he was definitely fit for this much more winnable fixture.
However, even if Isak does miss out, Newcastle have a striker in reserve who loves playing Everton, as Callum Wilson, who is still without a league goal this season, has scored eight times in 10 career appearances against the Toffees.
Whoever is in attack, they will likely be fed opportunities by the in-form Jacob Murphy, who has registered 12 assists this season – the third-highest tally by a Newcastle player in the Premier League era, bettered only by Andy Cole and Nolberto Solano.
Murphy has found himself playing in a more defensive right wing-back position of late, as Howe reverted to a 3-4-3 following the return from injury of Sven Botman.
The system change has coincided with Joelinton‘s absence, but it has allowed Howe to field all three of Murphy, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes, while still maintaining good balance across the pitch.
Kieran Trippier has enjoyed success over his career as a wing-back too, and he could be back in the squad for this encounter after missing the last two matches with a calf strain.
There will be no place in the matchday squad for the aforementioned Joelinton in midfield though, and he will be joined on the sidelines by left-back duo Lewis Hall and Matt Targett.
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:
Pope; Schar, Botman, Burn; Murphy, Bruno Guimaraes, Tonali, Livramento; Gordon, Isak, Barnes
Click here to see how Everton could line up on the final day.
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