Newcastle United travel to Tottenham Hotspur looking to rediscover their winning form in the Premier League. Eddie Howe had masterminded a nine match unbeaten run but the Magpies headed into the international break on the back of two successive defeats.
It has been 17 days since the Magpies were last in action but after a positive warm weather training camp in Dubai, United are ready to end their season with a flourish as they look to cement their Premier League status.
Howe will be without Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier through injury but will hopefully have a full complement of players to choose from aside from that. Here is how three Chronicle Live reporters think Newcastle might line-up against Tottenham.
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Lee Ryder
With Martin Dubravka and Fabian Schar given the all clear to train they stay in the X1 to face Spurs for me. I think the midfield is undoubtedly the toughest call but Joelinton, Bruno and Joe Willock just edge it ahead of Jonjo Shelvey.
In attack I do believe it is time to hand Allan Saint-Maximin that much needed start. Chris Wood should be oozing with confidence after his exploits for New Zealand in the international break so this is the perfect chance for him to shine on the big stage.
Aaron Stokes
Despite back-to-back defeats before the international break, I wouldn't be in a hurry to change too much ahead of the trip to the capital. Martin Dubravka is back in training after his illness so should be ready to start from the outset on Sunday.
Fabian Schar may not be risked, however, which should see the return of Jamaal Lascelles. I'd bring the skipper back in alongside Dan Burn, with Emil Krafth and Matt Targett either side. The midfield three is a dilemma for Eddie Howe though.
Will Bruno be ready to play after a busy international break on the other side of the world? If he's up to it, he is the first name on the team sheet. Joe Willock and Joelinton should be used alongside him in the middle.
Allan Saint-Maximin has to be brought back into the fold. No more trying to use him from the bench, it's time to let the Frenchman prove the doubters wrong. Ryan Fraser can also keep his spot alongside international goal scoring machine, Chris Wood.
Chris Knight
There are a few question marks over the availability of several members of the squad, but I'd like Howe to stick with the 4-3-3 system despite the promise of the back three at Stamford Bridge. Dubravka and Schar should both keep their places provided they are fit to do so, with Darlow and Lascelles coming in if not.
Guimaraes' duties with Brazil will likely count against him, but I feel this exact type of fixture where Newcastle can get the best out of their January signing. Tottenham will dominate possession and Howe will need to plan for the in-form trio of Kane, Kulusevski, and Son. Much like the Magpies did in the recent win at Southampton, I would play Guimaraes alongside Shelvey as two 'sixes', with Joelinton handed the box-to-box role.
Saint-Maximin's position has come under scrutiny in recent weeks, and I would give him the chance to prove these critics wrong. The number 10 is Newcastle's best chance of scoring and assisting in this lineup, and I feel the midfield trio would provide enough cover to allay any fears over the forward's work-rate.
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