Eddie Howe looks poised to change a winning side as he prepares for Newcastle United vs Barcelona.
On the back of Newcastle’s win over Wolves, Barcelona are heading to Tyneside.
Big European nights are back at St James’ Park, as a Champions League juggernaut rolls into town.
It is going to be a mammoth encounter on Thursday night, even with Lamine Yamal’s injury.
While Barcelona have fitness problems, Eddie Howe is working out how he can get the better of Hansi Flick. With that in mind, this is Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United starting XI to face Barcelona.
No risks taken in defence for Newcastle United
Defensively, Newcastle United have started the season very well. They have kept three clean sheets out of four, with every member of the Toon defence shining.
Therefore, it feels likely that Eddie Howe will stick with his trusted back four of Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn and Tino Livramento.
Eventually, Howe will lean on his Newcastle United squad and give opportunities to the likes of Lewis Hall, Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw. However, that feels unlikely to happen in the Champions League on Thursday night.
It will be interesting to see who Livramento comes up against at left-back, with Yamal set to miss out. It could mean he takes on former Leeds United star Raphinha.
- Who is Tino Livramento? All you need to know about Newcastle United’s flying full-back
Eddie Howe goes for all out pace against Barcelona
Howe is not going to pull out any surprises in midfield when Newcastle face Barcelona. It will be the tried and tested trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton.
But the surprise could be in attack, where the Magpies have the opportunity to unleash their relentless pace.
Anthony Gordon is available and should start, despite the £45million attacker’s domestic ban. He feels likely to replace Harvey Barnes, while Anthony Elanga could come into the side on the other flank.
That would be harsh on Jacob Murphy, who provided a beautiful assist for Nick Woltemade’s debut goal against Wolves on Saturday.
Nick Woltemade leads the line again for Newcastle United
Speaking of big Nick, he is set to make his Champions League debut after a spectacular Premier League debut.
With Yoane Wissa injured, the 23-year-old will retain his place in the starting XI against Barcelona. He will be full of confidence after what happened on Saturday, which should serve him well underneath the St James’ Park lights.
- Who is Nick Woltemade? The ‘two-metre Messi-Musiala’ Newcastle United are breaking transfer record to sign
Will Osula will be in reserve, but the likelihood is that Anthony Gordon will play centrally if Howe decides to substitute Woltemade in the second half.
Predicted XI vs Barcelona: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon.
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