Eddie Howe is predicted to make two changes to his Newcastle United starting XI against Marseille.
On the back of Newcastle United’s win over Manchester City, Eddie Howe will look to continue his side’s impressive run of form in the Champions League.
The Magpies have won their last three European contests, boasting nine points from a possible 12. They will aim to add another three to that tally at Marseille’s expense on Tuesday night, with their Ligue 1 opponents winning just one of their first four Champions League games.
But this will be a tricky away tie for Eddie Howe’s side, and this is Geordie Boot Boys‘ predicted Newcastle United XI to face Marseille.
Prediction for Marseille vs Newcastle United?
Lewis Hall left out of Newcastle United starting XI
Lewis Hall was excellent against Manchester City on Saturday, before cramp forced him off in the 77th minute.
With that in mind, Eddie Howe should not start the 21-year-old against Marseille. Instead, Dan Burn should return to the Newcastle XI.
Given Hall’s importance, it is vital that Howe protects him following his hamstring injury. Starting him so soon after Saturday would be a risk, which is why the Newcastle United manager should turn to Burn.
The rest of the Newcastle defence should remain unchanged, with Kieran Trippier injured.
Minor midfield tweak against Marseille
Newcastle United’s midfield was excellent against Manchester City, and they will aim to put in a similar performance in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
While Howe is likely to stick with the same midfield three, there could be a minor change to the way they line up.
Sandro Tonali should return to the number six role against Marseille, having been used as an eight at the weekend. The midfield maestro feels likely to swap roles with Bruno Guimaraes, who will wear the captain’s armband at the Stade Velodrome.
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Anthony Elanga gets Champions League chance
While Anthony Gordon is with the squad to face Marseille, he is not expected to start.
Harvey Barnes deserves to retain his place on the left of attack following his match-winning brace against Manchester City. He will aim to continue his impressive Champions League form, having scored three goals in the competition so far this season.
On the opposite flank, there could be an opportunity for Anthony Elanga. He was exceptional in Newcastle’s last European away game, and Howe will want to freshen his side up after Saturday’s energy-sapping victory.
That means Jacob Murphy dropping out for the Sweden international.
Predicted XI vs Marseille: Pope; Livramento, Thiaw, Schar, Burn; Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Woltemade, Barnes.
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