Bruno on the bench, two out and one tough call? - Predicted Newcastle side vs Bournemouth

After two weeks away, football is back at St James' Park this weekend, seeing Newcastle United face newly promoted Bournemouth at St James' Park.

Keeping injuries and recent form in mind, here’s the starting 11 we’re backing him to go with:

(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Targett – Willock, S Longstaff, Joelinton – Almiron, Isak, Fraser.

Based on what local journalists have been saying ahead of the game, it seems this one will come too soon for Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson. Bruno Guimaraes is deemed the most likely out of the three to feature, so my guess is that the Brazilian will be on the bench.

It would be great to see Bruno back in action, but I don't think he'll be risked from the start if he's not 100% fit - especially in a game where we *should* have enough to win without him.

Elliot Anderson is deserving of a start after he caused havoc from the bench against Palace a fortnight ago. He's given Eddie Howe a decision to make in Saint-Maximin's absence, however I'd still back Ryan Fraser to get the nod against his former club, with Anderson able to make an impact as a sub.

At the back, it's tough on Burn if he misses out again, however ball-playing duo Sven Botman and Fabian Schar seem more suited in a fixture where we'll likely dominate possession, with their ability to create from deep a real asset in home games like this.

How do you see us lining up against Howe's former club?