Newcastle United's Sven Botman
Newcastle United's Sven Botman (Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Eddie Howe could have two huge additions to his squad for the Boxing Day clash with Aston Villa - and it comes at the perfect time for the Newcastle United head coach.
After three wins over Leicester City, Brentford and Ipswich Town got the Magpies' season back on track, Howe knows they now face another tricky trio of games against sides which could be considered direct rivals for European places come the end of the season. The likes of Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Brighton could argue differently, but Newcastle's next three of Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham are all likely to be in the mix for a top six spot.
If United head into 2025 with positive results against all three, then the picture could look very rosy indeed, with an FA Cup third-round tie with League Two Bromley on the horizon and that two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final with Arsenal to come. Howe reported no new injury issues for United for the Boxing Day game with Villa, although Nick Pope, Callum Wilson, Jamaal Lascelles and Emil Krafth remain sidelined.
Sven Botman is close to a return to the squad after nine months recovering from ACL surgery, and could be included today having come through several Under-21 and behind-the-scenes games without any negative reaction. Howe may decided to hold off on the Dutch defender's return, but his presence will be a huge boost.
Joelinton is back from suspension and Howe is hopeful he will be available after taking a heavy blow in the Carabao Cup win over Brentford earlier this month, The Brazilian needed stitches to a facial wound, but is expected to be able to fight for a place, with Joe Willock also fit.
It makes for a strong squad, with some potential big decision over who makes the bench, should Botman and Joelinton return. Lewis Miley has sat some games out recently, but made a second-half appearance against Ipswich as he looks to increase his gametime after injury.
Newcastle United squad vs Aston Villa: Dubravka, Vlachodimos, Ruddy, Livramento, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Hall, Kelly, Botman, Targett, Tonali, Guimaraes, Longstaff, Joelinton, Willock, Miley, J Murphy, Almiron, Barnes, Gordon, Osula, Isak.
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