Liam Kennedy's Newcastle United team for Tottenham Hotspur – with FOUR big selection decisions
Every week our Newcastle United writer Liam Kennedy steps into Bruce’s boots and picks his own Magpies’ starting XI.
This week it looks very different to the team Bruce is likely to pick with a change made in the backline, another two in midfield and a further tweak up top...
1. Martin Dubravka
If fit - and we really hope he is - the Slovak plays. Need a big performance or two from the United No.1 as we reach the business end of the season. Photo: Stu Forster
2. Javier Manquillo
His return did little to help the porous nature of the Newcastle backline, but is an improvement on the very limited Emil Krafth. Continues at right-back in the absence of little other option. Photo: Clive Rose
3. Jamaal Lascelles
Tough call this one. I am only picking one of Ciaran Clark and the United skipper. And because Lascelles has been in good form, despite a defensive capitulation against Brighton, and has thr armband, he gets the nod over the Irishman. Photo: Stu Forster
4. Federico Fernandez
When Karl Darlow was in ahead of Dubravka I called for United to play their best players. This has to now be the same for Fernandez, who is, in my opinion, the best defender on Newcastle's books. Photo: PAUL ELLIS