Eddie Howe will know he needs to rotate his Newcastle United starting XI against Marseille.
Newcastle United’s win over Manchester City was energy-sapping, with the Toon players giving their all to pick up what should prove to be a seismic three points.
There were giant performances all over the pitch, especially at full-back.
Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento were exceptional, as they both started for the first time since September.
The former was forced off with cramp, and that should result in Dan Burn starting against Marseille at left-back. It might not be a popular decision, but it is one that Eddie Howe must make.
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The Newcastle United manager will also be weighing up whether to start Livramento, who had to play the full 90 minutes in his first game back after his knee injury.
Starting him again on Tuesday night in the Champions League would be a risk, and Howe can alleviate that risk by changing the position of one of his best players.
Malick Thiaw should play at right-back vs Marseille
With Kieran Trippier injured and Emil Krafth not quite at the level Newcastle need for the Champions League, the only other option to start at right-back is Malick Thiaw.
The 24-year-old briefly played in that position against Union Saint-Gilloise earlier in the competition, as the Magpies won 4-0 in Brussels.
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Marseille should prove to be tougher opposition, which would mean Livramento would play in an ideal world. However, Howe needs to look at the bigger picture.
Livramento needs to be protected, as he is going to have to play a lot over the next few weeks. It is unknown when Trippier will be fit again, which means the 23-year-old will be Newcastle’s main right-back.
The £32million man was outstanding against Manchester City, but looked absolutely exhausted by the time the final whistle blew. With that in mind, starting him again on Tuesday night feels unwise.
While it is not his best position, Thiaw should be tasked with slotting in at right-back. That would also open the door for Sven Botman to return, with the Dutchman dropped to the bench for the win over Man City.
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What Eddie Howe has said about Tino Livramento’s fitness
Ahead of Newcastle’s game against Marseille, Howe has spoken about whether Livramento and Hall will be involved at the Stade Velodrome.
“That’s a decision that I have to make,” he said.
“I have to consult the medical and sports science team to try and come up with the right decisions regarding both of those players.
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“They’re so important for us, as you saw on Saturday, that their longer term fitness is crucial for us, especially with Kieran’s injury. We’re not sure how long he’ll be out so that leaves us short of options in the full-back positions.
“It’s a decision for me to make overnight, and into tomorrow, to try and pick the best team to win this game but also protect them.”
If Howe does decide to protect Livramento, it is Thiaw who should take his place at right-back.
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