Eddie Howe has tough Newcastle United decision to make but Joelinton knows one star is safe

It's the big talking point ahead of this weekend's clash at Craven Cottage: Just who does Eddie Howe start in the middle of the park for Newcastle United?

The Magpies boss, often reluctant to make sweeping changes at the best of times, now has five fit and firing options at his disposal in his midfield. Sean Longstaff, Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes have been the go-to trio so far this term but Sandro Tonali, fresh from his lengthy suspension, and a fit-again Joe Willock are breathing down the necks of the starting stars.

Longstaff and Joelinton were both hooked at half-time in Sunday's comeback at Wolves as Howe bemoaned the lack of 'energy' in that area of the pitch. Guimaraes survived the interval changes, unsurprisingly, given his new leadership role and the fact he has played 432 minutes so far this term, compared to Joelinton's 405 and Longstaff's 301.

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It's therefore no wonder Joelinton has made the rather unadventurous, yet spot on, prediction that his fellow countryman will not be dropping out of Howe's starting XI any time soon despite the tough calls he faces in that particular position.

“It’s incredible, I think he wanted to play on the first day [after signing],” Joelinton told Brazilian publication UOL. “The coach held him back a bit until he got him playing.

"But since then, he’s been in the starting lineup, he’s never left. There’s no way he will. The quality he has, the leadership, the energy he brings, the experience. It’s incredible, it’s like he’s been at the club for 15 years. The fans love Bruno, he loves the fans.”

Guimaraes, a fan favourite on these shores, was linked with a big-money move away in the summer as Newcastle stuck a temporary £100m release clause in his contract renewal. No suitors were prepared to part with that amount of cash, as expected, and the former Lyon star stayed put - to the delight of the Magpies' faithful.

Howe has also helped shore up Bruno's future by handing him the captain's armband this term. The midfielder is now 'team captain', leading his side out each and every week.

Speaking before the season started, the Brazilian said: "I want to be a leader and help the club in so many ways. I also want to help this guy [Howe] because I am grateful for him."