Newcastle United have two big games this week, with Bayer Leverkusen up first and Sunderland on the horizon this weekend.
If this week goes well, Newcastle will find themselves in contention for the top eight spots in the Champions League again, and will leapfrog their fierce rivals in the Premier League table.
The lads are off to Germany, but can they get a result against Bayer Leverkusen? Give us your predictions!
Balancing the load of this hectic schedule is no mean feat, but Newcastle fans are prioritising the Tyne-Wear derby. It remains to be seen whether Eddie Howe will do the same.
Judging by his latest press conference comments, the Magpies’ manager will be going all out on both fronts, which is what we love to hear.
Sunderland game will not dictate Newcastle team selection
We have had a go at predicting Newcastle’s starting XI vs Leverkusen, but Howe’s answers this afternoon offer big hints as to how his team will line up on Wednesday night.
When asked if the Sunderland game will impact things, Howe said: “No, not necessarily. We will pick a team that will be strong tomorrow and strong for Sunday. We have a few injuries to our backline which is an area of concern for us.”
Despite those injuries for Newcastle, Howe still has a number of players he could bring into the fold, either from the start or later on in the game.
On that idea of fitness and sharpness, he added: “The best way to keep players fit and fresh is to keep playing football. Even if we do rotate players they are still part of the group and a 20-30 minute cameo can do them good.”
- READ MORE: There’s a disconnect between Eddie Howe and Kieran Trippier’s comments amid injury update
A handful of players could be in contention for minutes vs Leverkusen
Howe also said Yoane Wissa is relishing getting more minutes this week, and we will more than likely see him at some point on Wednesday.
There’s also a decision to be made on Lewis Hall, with Dan Burn ready to fill in at left-back if needed. Granted, if the former is fit, he will be the top choice to play from the start.
Can you name the player?
Newcastle will face this man very soon…
We’ll also be intrigued to see whether the likes of Anthony Elanga, Jacob Ramsey, Lewis Miley, and Fabian Schar get some game time under their belt. They certainly want and need it, and Howe would be wise to call on his wider squad for the Leverkusen tie.
Howe has some big decisions to make for the Sunderland game, but it’s refreshing to hear that he will be playing the strongest team possible for both matches.
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