The Newcastle head coach has a big decision to make in midfield ahead of their Champions League clash with Athletic Bilbao
Lewis Miley of Newcastle United (67) is replaced by Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United (8)
Lewis Miley of Newcastle United (67) is replaced by Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United (8)
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Newcastle United are still reeling from Sunday's dreadful performance in their 3-1 defeat to West Ham United and how they respond to that against Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League on Wednesday evening will be very interesting.
Eddie Howe has a decision to make over whether to make wholesale changes in response to that defeat or whether to retain faith in what was largely considered the majority of his strongest starting XI prior to the Hammers debacle.
Kieran Trippier is likely to return at right-back after missing the defeat through illness but perhaps Howe's biggest team selection decision will come in midfield.
Bruno Guimaraes missed the open training session ahead of the visit of Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday afternoon through illness and trained inside on his own.
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Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Eddie Howe said: "There seems like there's been a bit of illness going through the squad because that's various players now picking something up.
"Sandro initially, Jacob Murphy, Bruno, Kieran. We're making a decision on Bruno tomorrow. He's such an important player but he's clearly not been himself and that's why he missed training today."
If Guimaraes is deemed not ready to start, it could see Howe change things up in midfield and he could start with a midfield trio for the first time this season.
Sandro Tonali will almost certainly retain his place at the base of Newcastle's three man midfield but if Guimaraes is under the weather, there is a decision to be made over whether Lewis Miley or Joe Willock come in on the right hand side of the midfield three.
Given Miley has not started in each of Newcastle's last two games, he could be the freshest option to come in on the right hand side of the midfield three, where he performed so admirably in the win against Benfica.
Joelinton will likely retain his place on the left-hand side of the midfield three, although there is genuine pressure on his position now from Jacob Ramsey.
Whatever team Howe fields, Newcastle will be hopeful they can find a third successive win in the Champions League this season to further strengthen their grip on a qualification place for the knockout rounds.
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