Newcastle United predicted line-up vs West Ham with big change needed

It won't be the same XI which faced Nottingham Forest, that's for sure, as Eddie Howe will have to make at least one change to his Newcastle United starting line up on Monday night.

The Magpies return to action after the international break with a home Premier League clash against West Ham United, and looking to continue a three-match winning streak in all competitions. While United have found their touch in front of goal, it's significant that they only conceded once in wins over Chelsea, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.

But the now familiar back five of Nick Pope, Tino Livramento, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn and Lewis Hall will have to change on Monday night, as Geordie defender Burn is suspended after picking up five bookings for the season. Not that Howe has a lot of options when it comes to replacing the Blyth-born stopper.

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Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are close to a return as they continue their recovery from ACL surgery, but neither are likely to be fit before the end of the year, while Emil Krafth suffered a broken collarbone and faces six weeks on the sidelines. That means Lloyd Kelly is the likely candidate to step into Burn's role, with the former Bournemouth man peforming admirably in the 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Chelsea.

Given Newcastle's recent success, it's hard to envisage Howe wanting to change too much else, despite Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes knocking on the door. Both have had to settle for bench roles in the last two Premier League games, but they have come on to good effect, particularly against Nottingham Forest when Tonali helped to set up Joelinton's goal to make it 2-1 and Barnes' effort which sealed the 3-1 victory.

However, the flexibility Joelinton offers on either flank - alternating with Anthony Gordon at the City Ground - Joe Willock's box-to-box energy in midfield and Sean Longstaff's excellent form, means we could see the same attacking formation that has served them so well.

One potential boost is the return of Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson to the squad, with perhaps former Spurs full-back Trippier more likely to feature. While neither are likely to start, it will give Howe more quality options from the bench, although Wilson's invovlement is less certain.

Alexander Isak returned to Tyneside having continued his goalscoring form with Sweden and has his sights on netting his fifth game in a row for the Magpies, while Gordon also celebrated his first international goal for England last week.

Newcastle United predicted line-up vs West Ham

Pope; Livramento, Schar, Kelly, Hall; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Willock; Joelinton, Gordon, Isak.

Subs: Dubravka, Targett, Trippier, Tonali, Barnes, J Murphy, Almiron, Miley, Osula.