Craig Hope doesn't believe Joe Willock will start on Sunday but has admitted there are mixed noises coming out of Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Eddie Howe has some tough decisions to make

Newcastle are heading into their biggest game of the season and modern history on Sunday with a relatively clean bill of health with the likes of Willock back fit and also Bruno Guimaraes returning from his three-game suspension.

While that will be good news for fans and Eddie Howe, it does indeed leave the Toon boss with a selection dilemma over who to start between Willock or Allan Saint-Maximin impressed last time out against Liverpool hitting the bar.

Willock has started 20 league games this season but has not played since he limped off against Bournemouth on February 2nd he may well be rusty and not worth the risk on Sunday at Wembley.

The Latest: Willock's starting spot is still unclear

Hope has admitted on the True Faith podcast that he doesn't believe Willock will start, however, after speaking to Sky Sports' Keith Downie the midfielder could still get the nod from Howe.

[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-7/" title="Newcastle news!" poster="" width="360" height="600" align="none"]

He said: (43:20) "I was talking to Keith [Downie] today as well with the word being Willock is going to be available. I think he will put Willock on the bench but Keith thinks he's going to put him in."

The Verdict: Could be a match-defining decision

If Howe decides to start Saint-Maximin on the huge stage this weekend then that could well be what defines the game because if he's on form and raring to go he'd give Manchester United players a nightmare all game and could pin them back.

However, if he decided to not turn up and struggles to get into the game and make an impact then it would very easily leave the Magpies exposed at the back having to carry someone who's not performing.

Therefore, the sensible and safe option would be for Howe to revert back to a tried and tested lineup that consists of Willock, Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff in the middle with Joelinton on the left