Joe Buck reacts as Eddie Howe previews Newcastle United v Athletic Club
Newcastle United v Athletic Club: Eddie Howe has a number of big calls to make ahead of naming his Newcastle United team for their Champions League clash with Athletic Club.
Their hugely disappointing defeat to West Ham at the weekend will serve as a stark reminder that they cannot take their eyes off the ball in any competition this season. Whilst their Premier League form stumbles, though, the Magpies have a good record in the Champions League and a win tonight would make it nine points from their first four matches.
But will Howe look to make wholesale changes to his starting XI? Or will he opt to make just a couple of tweaks in hope that his players can put in a vastly improved performance in front of their own supporters?
Here, we take a look at the Newcastle United starting XI that Howe could name for his side’s clash against Athletic Club tonight. Do you agree with our picks? Follow us on our social media channels and let us know your thoughts there.
Newcastle United predicted XI v Athletic Club
Nick Pope
Many have debated whether Aaron Ramsdale should come in to replace Pope in goal. The former Burnley man is Howe’s first-choice and that seems unlikely to change tonight
Kieran Trippier
Trippier missed out on Sunday through illness. If he’s available tonight, then he will almost certainly come back into the starting XI.
Malick Thiaw
Thiaw has continued to impress in the heart of defence and was one of United’s best performers at the weekend.
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Sven Botman
Botman, like many of his teammates, put in a very underwhelming performance at the London Stadium on Sunday. The Dutchman has looked good with Thiaw beside him this season.
Dan Burn
Newcastle United are unlikely to take any risks on Lewis Hall and so Burn may once again be asked to start at left-back.
Bruno Guimaraes
Guimaraes was, like many of his teammates, off colour on Sunday. He will be desperate to lead his team to another Champions League win tonight if deemed fit enough to feature after suffering with illness.
Sandro Tonali
Tonali’s energy will likely set the standards for Newcastle United tonight. If the Italian is on it, then it’s undoubted that the whole team will put in a much better display.
Jacob Ramsey
Ramsey may get handed another chance to start tonight if Howe opts to rest Joelinton. The former Aston Villa man has had limited opportunities to impress so far this season and will be keen to take his chance when presented with one.
Anthony Elanga
Jacob Murphy has continued to pick up goals and assists in the league, but it cannot be denied that Elanga has impressed in this competition. Picking between Murphy and Elanga is probably one of Howe’s toughest decisions tonight.
Nick Woltemade
Woltemade was withdrawn at half-time on Sunday after a quiet 45 minutes. He will be determined to roar back with a goal tonight.
Anthony Gordon
Gordon’s form in the Premier League has slumped recently, but it cannot be argued that he has been brilliant in the Champions League this season. A goal against Athletic Club would see Gordon net in four consecutive Champions League outings.
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