Newcastle United are back on Champions League duty this week with a trip to Germany on Wednesday night to face Bayer Leverkusen.
Finally, we are seeing Newcastle put together a good run of form. They’re now unbeaten in the last four league games, with only the defeat to Marseille being a blip in the past month.
The lads are off to Germany, but can they get a result against Bayer Leverkusen? Give us your predictions!
Confidence should be high for Newcastle going into this game against Leverkusen. If Eddie Howe and his players can banish their away-day hoodoo, they will be right back in contention for a top eight spot in the Champions League.
While most are focused on what kind of team Howe will put out, there are a few selection decisions that are heavily influenced by UEFA’s rules for the competition.
Newcastle United’s young goalkeepers have a chance
We have put forward our predicted Newcastle XI vs Leverkusen, but if we look at the bench, too, there may be some interesting calls for Howe to make.
As per UEFA rules, a club must include four homegrown players in their 25-man squad. Newcastle were not able to do that, so they had to reduce their squad to 21 players.
That means the likes of John Ruddy, Mark Gillespie, and Jamal Lascelles are all ineligible for the continental competition.
And, with two experienced goalkeepers unable to play, and Nick Pope injured, we could well see Newcastle academy starlets like Max Thompson on the bench in back-up for Aaron Ramsdale.
There may even be a spot for the likes of Roman Dowell or George Mair among the substitutes, which would be a massive experience for the teenage prospects.
Players under the age of 21 are permitted to be used in the competition without impacting the original squad. Obviously, Eddie Howe would not want either of them to have to play in such a big game, but to travel with the squad and sit on the bench would be a great learning curve.
- READ MORE: Bruno Guimaraes’ six-word message for Yoane Wissa ahead of Newcastle star’s Champions League debut
Eddie Howe has to get the balance right vs Leverkusen
This is a difficult week for Newcastle. The game against Leverkusen is very important if the Magpies want to progress in the Champions League, but fans already have eyes on Sunderland this weekend.
So, does Howe rest key players in midweek and keep them fresh for the Mackems? Or does he go all out against Leverkusen and hope the momentum carries his players through to the Stadium of Light on Sunday?
Can you name the player?
Newcastle will face this man very soon…
Newcastle have a great record against Leverkusen, and though they may be away from home, the Magpies will fancy their chances against a team that has struggled for form this season.
Personally, I’d be going all guns blazing for the win on Wednesday. It’s important to qualify for the next round of the Champions League, and keeping the unbeaten run going will be massive in terms of building a positive rhythm for the weekend.
Players like Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall, Malick Thiaw, Bruno Guimaraes, and Nick Woltemade should be starting both games, as they’ll be key to Newcastle’s success.
Sign up to TalkingPoints for free to join the conversation about all things Newcastle United with Geordie Boot Boys!