Newcastle United host Arsenal on later today in their final home game of the season.
After losing to Liverpool and Manchester City, a strong performance against one of the Premier League’s big boys in-front of a packed home support would be the ideal end to a campaign in which Eddie Howe has turned St James’ Park into a fortress.
In a boost for Newcastle, Howe is hoping to have Ryan Fraser available following the hamstring injury the Scotsman picked during the win over Wolves on Tyneside last month.
Still, there is little need to rush Fraser back into action, particularly given the dangers of aggravating a hamstring injury.
Elsewhere, Joe Willock and Jonjo Shelvey have both been ruled out of Newcastle’s final two games, meaning Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sean Longstaff will likely continue in central midfield.
Federico Fernandez, meanwhile, is thought to be nursing an Achilles problem
Howe has admitted Kieran Trippier is slightly behind Callum Wilson in terms of recovery, while Fabian Schar may return to the starting lineup having also been on the bench at the Etihad Stadium.
Newcastle United predicted XI: Dubravka; Krafth, Schar, Burn, Targett; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Saint-Maximin, Wilson, Almiron
Injured: Shelvey (calf), Willock (knee)
Doubts: Fernandez (Achilles)
Date and time: Monday 15 May 2022 at 8pm BST
Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle
TV channel: Sky Sports
Referee: Darren England, Jarred Gillet (VAR)
