Joelinton at risk, Tonali agreement and formation change considered as Howe faces Newcastle decision
A selection headache after 12 months of wondering how many youngsters would be needed to fill spaces on the bench... it must be a welcomed change for Eddie Howe as he plots how to tackle a tough trip to Craven Cottage this weekend.
It's the battle of the midfielders ahead of the west London showdown as the Newcastle boss chooses between five top quality options for just three slots in the centre of the park. The quintet in question were all seen at Molineux on Sunday, two withdrawn at the interval, two emerging in their place and one playing the entire 90 as Newcastle kept their unbeaten streak this term.
But who starts this weekend? We put the question to our panel of writers to get their verdict - and possibly give Eddie some inspiration!
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Lee Ryder
Ever since the clock started ticking down on Sandro Tonali's ban, the talk was of Newcastle unleashing a dream partnership of the Italian international, Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes.
And at the time I couldn't disagree with that but now I'm not so sure and it comes on the back of one particular performance on Sunday at Wolves. Tonali's class at Molineux did not surprise me one bit and Bruno eventually got to a good level after a sluggish start, so you can put the pair down for starts from me straight away.
The third place against Fulham will not go to Joelinton for me, instead I'd give Joe Willock the chance to show what he can do from the start. Whether Joelinton is deemed as a player Howe can name on the bench is the big question.
It would be a brave decision but based on the performances of Joelinton and Sean Longstaff on Sunday with both below par, it would appear the trio this weekend picks itself.
Lee's pick: Bruno, Tonali, Willock
Ciaran Kelly
There is a strong argument that the trio who started the second half against Wolves should line up from the off against Fulham. Sandro Tonali and Joe Willock certainly staked their claim as substitutes. Willock created more chances than any other player (five) on the field at Molineux while Tonali completed all but one of his passes after Newcastle had previously struggled to keep hold of the ball in the middle of the park.
However, given how Willock only recently returned to training with the group, and previously broke down on his last start, I'd be wary of throwing him in from the off just yet. The midfielder can also bring so much energy from the bench on Saturday so the only change I'd make would be to bring Tonali in for Sean Longstaff.
Ciaran's pick: Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton
Aaron Stokes
What a blessing, after last year's constant worry over a lack of options, that Eddie Howe now has five midfield options raring to go. It's a welcomed, yet unenviable, choice for the Newcastle boss to make before the trip to Craven Cottage.
First things first it's time for Sandro Tonali's return. Throw the Italian back in from the outset, he's earned it. I'd leave Joe Willock as an explosive option from the bench should Newcastle need him, which means the only decision left to ponder is between Joelinton and Sean Longstaff for the final midfield spot.
I've always had a real soft spot for Longstaff and think he regularly goes under the radar with his displays. However, I'd leave Joelinton in there for now and hope he can overcome some shaky early season form. It's a close call though - and Howe very rarely drops the academy graduate from his side.
Aaron's pick: Joelinton, Tonali, Bruno
Andrew Musgrove
Sandro Tonali must come into the side and it should be for Sean Longstaff but in truth, I'm not sure any of the three who started across the middle against Wolves are 100% guaranteed a spot for the team sheet against Fulham.
Joelinton, the performance against Southampton aside, has not looked his usual self, Bruno Guimaraes has been absent in recent games as well, and Longstaff has always, perhaps harshly, always felt like a stop gap for the returning Tonali.
You also have the welcome issue of Joe Willock, who made an impact coming off the bench against Wolves and offers something that none of the aforementioned four do - pace. But you know, it would not surprise if the same midfield that started at Molineux did at Craven Cottage - I certainly can't see Eddie Howe making two changes in the middle.
Andrew's pick: Tonali, Bruno, Joelinton
Stuart Jamieson
It's less about the personnel and more about the formation for me, although Sandro Tonali has to start. He should have started at Wolves but Newcastle got away with, but he must come in at Fulham, with Sean Longstaff the man to make way.
All the top Premier League sides are now playing with two central midfielders and one more advanced. It should mean that even if one goes forward, there is always some sort of cover in the centre of the park, and should help eliminate breaks such as the one which led to Wolves' goal on Sunday. United are far too open through the centre of midfield - they have capable wingers and full-backs to operate out wide, so get the midfield tighter.
For that reason, I'm sticking with Joelinton alongside Tonali as a deeper central two, with Bruno in a more advanced role. Not a No 10 but able to link up with an otherwise isolated Alexander Isak more effectively. Willock is an excellent impact sub and, although worthy of a starting place, can come on in a number of positions.
Stu's pick: Joelinton, Tonali, Bruno in a slightly different formation
Matty Hewitt
If Newcastle United are able to strike the right midfield balance, we could see a vast improvement in performances. We saw in the recent win over Wolves how getting control of the centre of the pitch can help turn the tide of the game. Eddie Howe's decision to substitute Sean Longstaff and Joelinton and replace them with Sandro Tonali and Joe Willock acted as the catalyst for that turnaround.
While much of the conversation this season as been centred around a midfield three of Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton starting together, Howe may have stumbled across his best midfield trio at Molineux. Although Guimaraes has not hidden his desire to play further forward, Newcastle's lack of an out and out holding midfielder means that deep-lying playmaker role is his to lose.
The Magpies head coach has taken his time reintegrating Tonali into the squad, but his composure and eye for a pass is something Newcastle have missed, not to mention his effectiveness in the press. Alongside Willock, the Magpies should - in theory - have the legs to rediscover that high press that strangled teams during the early part of Howe's reign.
We've not quite seen that high octane press at it's very best so far this season, but a midfield three of Bruno, Willock and Tonali would be an enticing proposition, with strength in depth from the bench in Joelinton.
Matty's pick: Bruno, Willock, Tonali