OPINION
Steve Bruce is predicted to make two changes to Newcastle United’s starting line-up ahead of their Premier League clash against West Ham at the London Stadium on Saturday.
Sean Longstaff is suspended and could be replaced by Jonjo Shelvey in the midfield while record-signing Joelinton could be axed and dropped to the bench for the first time since his summer switch to Tyneside.
The Chronicle has reported that Dwight Gayle is in line to start up front this weekend while it was also claimed that Shelvey might get the nod to replace Longstaff in the midfield if he impresses Bruce in training for the rest of the week.
As for the rest of the team, Bruce could head to the capital with no other changes.
Martin Dubravka is expected to start in goals behind a back-three of Federico Fernandez, Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark.
Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie reported on Wednesday that Fabian Schar is a major doubt for this weekend’s action so Fernandez is likely to retain his spot in the defence.
DeAndre Yedlin and Jetro Willems could line up as the two wing-backs while Matty Longstaff is predicted to keep hold of his spot in the centre of the midfield and start alongside Shelvey.
In the attack Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron are expected to start on either side of Gayle, who would be making his first start of the season if he was to replace Joelinton up front.
