The Magpies played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with Premier League leaders Liverpool in midweek. For the visit to the Gtech Community Stadium, Howe has dropped Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon to the bench with Sean Longstaff and Harvey Barnes coming into the starting XI.
Howe hinted at his pre-match press conference that the duo would be rested after feeling the affects of a physically exhausting evening against Liverpool on Wednesday.
When asked about possible rotation, Howe said:“It is something we’re going to discuss at length today and try to find the right balance between change and consistency of selection.
“I think there are a few things to know that there were some tired bodies in the team. After the game, Sandro was getting cramp with about 10-15 minutes to go, Anthony Gordon was fatigued at the end of his performance which was very good. Naturally when you empty like that and give so much to the game there is going to be a hit.
“Alex [Isak] worked extremely hard and was tired too so our job is to refuel, regroup and go again ahead of what is another great opportunity for us.”
Meanwhile, Kieran Trippier returns to the matchday squad in place of Joe Willock, whose absence is currently unexplained.
Compare that to results against the supposed ‘lesser clubs’, the Magpies have lost to West Ham United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Fulham, and failed to beat the likes of Crystal Palace, Everton and AFC Bournemouth.
“It is a frustration because we know what we are capable of,” said Howe on the lack of consistency. “The missing ingredient is to deliver that whoever and wherever you’re playing. We had that in our Champions League season and that’s why we were able to achieve what we did that year. Regardless of the opposition, it didn’t really matter, you saw the same Newcastle week in and week out.
“It’s not for the want of trying. I can tell you the players are committed to delivering that. We can’t go back, we can only effect the future and try to make sure that we are finding solutions to problems and trying to make the players aware of what we are trying to do.”
Here are Newcastle United’s starting XI and subs in full:
Pope and Newcastle’s defenders have kept just one clean sheet on the road this season, and that was the goalless draw at Everton in October.
1. GK: Nick Pope
Pope and Newcastle’s defenders have kept just one clean sheet on the road this season, and that was the goalless draw at Everton in October. | Getty Images
Livramento has established himself as United’s first choice right-back this term with Kieran Trippier restricted to just four starts in all competitions.
2. RB: Tino Livramento
Livramento has established himself as United’s first choice right-back this term with Kieran Trippier restricted to just four starts in all competitions. | AFP via Getty Images
Schar’s late equaliser against Liverpool in midweek was his third goal of the campaign. Not bad for a centre-back but he is unique in that sense.
3. CB: Fabian Schar
Schar’s late equaliser against Liverpool in midweek was his third goal of the campaign. Not bad for a centre-back but he is unique in that sense. | AFP via Getty Images
The Blyth-born defender has quietly gone about his business in recent games. Has been really solid at the back.
4. CB: Dan Burn
The Blyth-born defender has quietly gone about his business in recent games. Has been really solid at the back. | Getty Images