Newcastle lineup vs. Tottenham: Predicted XI for Premier League clash as Eddie Howe makes two changes

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe will be forced into at least one and potentially two defensive alterations for Saturday's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur in North London.

The Magpies' 2-0 win over Manchester United on Monday was not without sacrifice, as Fabian Schar picked up a suspension-inducing yellow card while Kieran Trippier had to be substituted just before the hour mark.

There has not yet been any official update on whether Trippier's problem was just cramp or a more sinister hamstring concern, but Tino Livramento should come back into the visitors' starting XI either way.

Schar's ban comes at a time when Sven Botman is in the final stages of his rehabilitation from a knee injury, but Howe should side with a fully-fit Lloyd Kelly instead of risking the Dutchman from the first whistle.

Martin Dubravka retains his place in goal with Nick Pope still missing, though, while Dan Burn and Lewis Hall's places are also under no threat whatsoever; the latter was a particularly bright spark at Old Trafford on December 30.

Howe also has no reason to alter the engine room of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali, and the same goes for the fearsome attacking triumvirate of Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy.

Isak's opener at Man United saw the Swede end 2024 with 25 Premier League goals, and he is bidding to score for the seventh top-flight game in a row at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Newcastle United possible starting lineup: Dubravka; Livramento, Kelly, Burn, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon

> Click here to see how Tottenham could line up for this game