Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has a plethora of options at his disposal when Aston Villa arrive at St James’ Park for the Premier League opener
The new Premier League campaign is here and Newcastle United are raring to go under Eddie Howe. The Magpies returned from their summer holidays ‘as fit as Howe had ever seen them’ before going unbeaten in their seven pre-season matches.
Attention now turns to the season opener with Aston Villa and just who Howe will choose from the outset at St James’ Park. Players like Elliot Anderson, Harvey Barnes and Lewis Miley have given the Newcastle boss food for thought, while the injury blow to Fabian Schar could lead to changes at the back.
So, what are some of the options for Howe this weekend?
Pope, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton, Barnes, Isak, Almiron
This, if everyone is fighting fit, could be one of the most likely outcomes when the Newcastle team is announced on Saturday afternoon. Schar, if fully fit, is likely to start with Sven Botman to his left. Sandro Tonali enjoyed a solid home debut last weekend and there will be a clamour to see him from the outset.
The same can be said with Harvey Barnes after the Leicester man netted a brace during the Sela Cup on Sunday. Meanwhile, the likes of Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak and Miguel Almiron looked all but nailed on to start this Saturday.
Pope, Trippier, Lascelles, Botman, Burn, Bruno, Joelinton, Anderson, Gordon, Isak, Almiron
If Howe believes Tonali isn’t ready, Elliot Anderson has proven more than capable to step up. The academy graduate was Newcastle’s top scorer in pre-season and has arguably earned a starting role this weekend. Equally, Anthony Gordon has had a fine summer and will feel aggrieved should he miss out to Barnes.
Pope, Trippier, Botman, Burn, Targett, Bruno, Tonali, Anderson, Joelinton, Isak, Almiron
Schar’s injury could actually force a change at left-back as well. If Dan Burn is moved back into the centre, as he was against Gateshead, Matt Targett may come in to replace him. Further forward, if Howe opts to go for both Tonali and Anderson, Joelinton could find himself back out on the left, where he impressed towards the back end of last term.
Pope, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Longstaff, Bruno, Joelinton, Gordon, Isak, Almiron
What about Sean Longstaff? The local lad was one of the shining lights of last season, with Howe praising his ‘under the radar’ performances. The midfielder has missed a good chunk of the summer through injury but returned at the Sela Cup last weekend and looked sharp.
“It’s a testament to his fitness levels that he’s able to get through the time he did today. Fingers crossed he feels good,” Howe said after Longstaff’s return. He could slot in alongside Bruno and Joelinton as we saw so often last term.
Pope, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Longstaff, Bruno, Joelinton, Isak, Wilson, Almiron
Given Isak’s impressive pre-season, we haven’t even mentioned his strike partner Callum Wilson. The Newcastle hitman gave Isak lots to think about at the business end of the campaign, scoring goals for fun.
The two forwards have proved they can play together, with many fans enjoying watching Isak’s dribbling ability out on the left. Is it too much of a risk to start both together this weekend?
Pope, Trippier, Lascelles, Botman, Targett, Joelinton, Bruno, Anderson, Barnes, Isak, Almiron
Another option which relies on Schar missing out – but could Burn miss out too? Targett has been given plenty minutes during pre-season and Newcastle are yet to strengthen at left-back this summer.
Pope, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Livramento, Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton, Barnes, Wilson, Murphy
What if Howe throws a total curveball? New signing Tino Livramento straight in at left-back? Wilson in, Isak benched? Jacob Murphy in for Almiron from the start? Stranger things have happened.
It just goes to show the vast amount of options at Howe’s disposal this weekend. It’s anyone’s guess as to which 11 players he goes for.
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