Newcastle will look to cap off an encouraging second-half to the 2021/22 season with a win, travelling to relegation-threatened Burnley on Sunday.
Only the current top four and a 10-man Everton side (go figure) have been able to beat the Magpies since mid January as Eddie Howe’s men have a slight chance of securing a top-half Premier League finish with a final-day win – a dominant 2-0 win over Arsenal last time out suggests that victory could be forthcoming.
Against a Burnley side fighting for their lives, however, this game certainly won’t be played on paper.
GK: Martin Dubravka – There might be rumours of incoming goalkeepers this summer, but Dubravka is deservedly the undisputed Newcastle number one for the time being.
RB: Kieran Trippier – Wholesale changes won’t take place for this one but Trippier could return to the XI for a first start in over three months.
CB: Jamal Lascelles – Fabian Schar will have to be assessed after his head injury against the Gunners and, should he be deemed unable to feature, club captain Lascelles will step in.
CB: Dan Burn – Apart from sitting his first game as a Newcastle player out on the bench, the gigantic centre-back hasn’t missed a second of Premier League action since arriving at his boyhood club.
LB: Matt Targett – Like Burn, Targett missed just one league game since his arrival – against parent club Aston Villa.
CM: Sean Longstaff – With Jonjo Shelvey remaining absent, Longstaff should be set for a fourth start in five league outings.
CM: Bruno Guimaraes – Has been a brilliant addition to the squad and heads into the final day having notched five goals and an assist in his previous ten Premier League starts.
CM: Joelinton – Howe’s decision to convert the Brazilian into a bulldozing midfielder was inspired; the club’s Player of the Season will certainly be in line for another start here.
RW: Miguel Almiron – Ryan Fraser is doubtful with a tight hamstring, so we should see Almiron again.
ST: Callum Wilson – Was an absolute menace for Arsenal last time out and, even if former Burnley man Chris Wood passes his late fitness check, Wilson has surely done enough to retain his spot.
LW: Allan Saint-Maximin – While he’s blown hot and cold in recent months, no Newcastle player has registered more goal involvements this term.
