Newcastle United are set to face Ipswich Town at St. James' Park in a pivotal Premier League match, and the team news is in. Manager Eddie Howe makes a welcome return to the dugout after a brief absence, leading his team into a match they'll be aiming to win to maintain their push for Champions League qualification.

One key change from last weekend's 4-1 defeat to Aston Villa sees Joe Willock replace the injured Joelinton (knee injury). The Magpies will look to Willock's midfield dynamism to spark their attack against a struggling Ipswich side. Nick Pope, a former Ipswich academy player, starts in goal, protected by a back four of Trippier, Schar, Burn, and Livramento.

Bruno Guimarães, celebrating his 150th appearance for Newcastle, anchors the midfield alongside Sandro Tonali and Willock. Jacob Murphy, fresh off his goalscoring performance against Ipswich earlier in the season, and Harvey Barnes will provide support for Alexander Isak, who will be keen to continue his impressive form following his hat-trick against Ipswich in the reverse fixture.

The bench boasts strength in depth, with the likes of Sven Botman (returning to matchday squad after injury), Sean Longstaff, Lewis Miley, Anthony Gordon, Callum Wilson, and William Osula all available. This offers Howe tactical flexibility throughout the game. Martin Dúbravka and John Ruddy provide goalkeeping cover.

Newcastle United Starting XI: Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn, Tino Livramento, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães (c), Joe Willock, Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, Alexander Isak.

Newcastle United Substitutes: Martin Dúbravka, John Ruddy, Emil Krafth, Sven Botman, Sean Longstaff, Lewis Miley, Anthony Gordon, Callum Wilson, William Osula.

Paul Merson's Prediction and Isak's Future: Football pundit Paul Merson has boldly predicted a 3-0 victory for Newcastle, highlighting their determination to bounce back from the Villa defeat. He also weighed in on Alexander Isak's future, suggesting that the striker might wait to see if Newcastle secure Champions League football before committing to a new contract. This indicates that Isak's future at the club hinges heavily on their Champions League aspirations and summer transfer activity. The club will be looking to strengthen the squad this summer to compete at the highest level. This would likely reassure Isak and allow him to focus on playing at the elite level.

The match against Ipswich is crucial for Newcastle's top-four ambitions. A win would propel them closer to securing a Champions League place and impact the race for the top spots. All eyes will be on St. James' Park to see if the Magpies can deliver a convincing performance and secure another home victory.