****Eddie Howe****has given team news for the upcoming clash with Athletic Club.
****Newcastle United****have returned to the European stage with football in the Champions League for the second time in the last three seasons. That is a challenge the club has embraced, triumphing on an away day in the tournament for the first time in 22 years with a 4-0 win over Union Saint-Gilloise.
A 3-0 beating of **Benfica**followed, and the Toon can really start to build up ahead of steam in Europe if they beat the Basque outfit. However, Howe will have to make to do without a few options as he looks to bounce back from a disappointing defeat at the London Stadium.
“[Being in four competitions] is what we want first and foremost. The games are amazing experiences but there are challenges. West Ham was a mental challenge and we failed. We have to try to improve.
“Difficult team to pick off the back of Sunday. You could make wholesale changes or you can give the team another chance to deliver. I am 99% of the way there with my team selection.
*“I have had discussions with Anthony Gordon. He is an honest player, there is no lack of effort or commitment to do well: he is very driven to succeed. We need more from everybody in the Premier League, it is not just Anthony. The league is of such a high level. There is added challenges for us mentally when we return from European games or cup games. That is something we have to do better.*
“*Aaron Ramsdale*has been really pleased with his progression here but Nick Pope has performed consistently well and our defensive record has been pretty strong this year.
*“Various players have picked something up. Sandro Tonali initially, Jacob Murphy, Kieran Trippier and now Bruno Guimaraes. We will make a decision on Bruno [on Wednesday.]”*