Eddie Howe will weigh up which changes to make as he demands a response from his Newcastle United side against Athletic Club.
Just days after Newcastle United’s loss to West Ham, they are in action yet again. It is another Champions League night, with Athletic Club heading to Tyneside.
St James’ Park is set to host its third Champions League match of the season, and it is a must-win game for the Magpies. Eddie Howe was furious after Sunday’s defeat, with the Toon boss admitting he wanted to change his entire team at half-time.
Now he can make as many changes as he likes, and this is Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United XI to face Athletic Club on Wednesday night.
Eddie Howe shakes Nick Pope's hand after Newcastle United's game against West Ham.
Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Nick Pope starts after West Ham blunder
Nick Pope was particularly poor against West Ham. He was at fault for Lucas Paqueta’s equaliser, while he did not cover himself in glory for Tomas Soucek’s goal either.
Despite his disappointing display, it would come as a surprise if he was dropped for the Champions League encounter. That is bad news for Aaron Ramsdale, who continues to wait patiently for a proper run in the starting lineup.
One change should see Kieran Trippier replace Emil Krafth at right-back. He missed the West Ham defeat due to illness, but will hopefully return on Wednesday.
No other changes in defence are expected. Lewis Hall returned against West Ham, but was only deemed fit enough for the bench. In fact, Howe only included him on the bench as there were no other alternatives. With that in mind, it would be a major shock if he was named in the starting XI.
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Jacob Ramsey picked over Joelinton
Howe will be keen to freshen things up after the West Ham debacle, but two players who will surely not lose their places in the side are Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.
The same cannot be said for Joelinton, who is not playing his best football at this moment in time.
Fans want Jacob Ramsey to start, and Howe should listen to the Toon Army. The summer signing needs to build up some momentum with a run in the side, starting against the La Liga outfit.
Anthony Gordon backed to continue Champions League form
The big question mark in attack for Newcastle United surrounds Anthony Gordon. He was extremely poor at the London Stadium, which resulted in him being substituted at half-time.
However, Gordon has been immense in the Champions League. He is one of the competition’s best performers, boasting four goals and one assist so far.
The big nights get the best out of him, but Howe could be minded to drop Gordon and send a message that he has to earn the right to play in these European ties.
However, the 24-year-old is still expected to start, joining Nick Woltemade and Jacob Murphy in attack.
Predicted XI vs Athletic Club: Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn; Ramsey, Tonali, Bruno; Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon.