Three changes and Longstaff one to watch? - Predicted Newcastle XI to face Southampton

Our third game in the last seven days and a return to St James' Park, as Southampton come to town in a battle between two sides at opposite ends of the table.

Ahead of today's 2pm kick-off, here's the XI we're expecting Eddie Howe to go with (if fit):

Predicted XI: Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Longstaff*, Bruno, Willock – Murphy, Isak, Joelinton.

It seems a bit harsh on Callum Wilson following his brace on Thursday, but I can see Howe reverting to the same side that smashed Spurs 6-1 last Sunday.

Three changes at Everton stemmed from Dan Burn being unwell and the busy schedule, so I can see Jacob Murphy coming back in for Miggy - who was sloppy on the ball at Goodison - and Alexander Isak replacing Wilson.

That said, if Sean Longstaff is forced to miss out after limping off in our last game, Isak could play from the left - allowing Wilson to keep his place up top - or Anthony Gordon could make a rare start, with Joelinton dropping back into midfield and Isak leading the line?

If Longstaff does miss out, we could therefore see one of the two sides below:

(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Willock, Bruno, Joelinton – Murphy, Isak, Gordon.

(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Willock, Bruno, Joelinton – Murphy, Wilson, Isak.