Newcastle United goalkeeper debate: Nick Pope v Aaron Ramsdale
Early Newcastle United team news ahead of the Premier League clash against Manchester City at St James’ Park.
A 3-1 defeat at Brentford before the international break has left Eddie Howe’s side lingering just two points above the Premier League relegation zone following the opening 11 matches.
The Magpies had taken the lead in their last two Premier League games against West Ham United and Brentford but ended up losing by the same scoreline. United have dropped nine points from winning positions, the most in the division.
And in terms of their away record, Howe’s side are without a domestic away victory since April, which has really put the pressure on getting results at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United without at least one player v Manchester City
This weekend sees Premier League title challengers Man City visit Tyneside, and Howe will be forced to make at least one change to his starting XI with Dan Burn unavailable due to suspension.
In the absence of Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento, Burn has moved out of position to left-back and a tough afternoon at the Gtech Community was compounded by a sending off after picking up two yellow cards.
As a result, the Blyth-born defender will serve a one-match suspension before returning for the midweek trip to Marseille in the Champions League and then Everton in the Premier League next weekend.
Lewis Hall back, Tino Livramento hope and Nick Pope & Aaron Ramsdale dilemma
Burn’s spot is likely to be filled by Hall, who has been building his way to full fitness following four weeks out with a hamstring issue. The setback came on the back of several months out with a serious ankle injury.
Hall returned to the squad for the defeat at West Ham. He was an unused substitute that day but has since made back-to-back cameos against Athletic Bilbao and Brentford, as well as playing 70 minutes for England under-21s on Friday.
It is hoped that Livramento can be involved against Man City but a place in the starting XI is extremely unlikely given the 23-year-old has been sidelined for two months.
Sticking with the backline and Howe has a decision to make in goal after a concussion saw Nick Pope replaced by Aaron Ramsdale for the remaining quarter of an hour at Brentford.
Pope is expected to be available as the Man City game comes after the 12-day concussion protocol, but it could be an opportunity to hand Ramsdale his first Premier League start since joining on a season-long loan deal from Southampton.
So far, Ramsdale has been limited to two Carabao Cup starts, in which he impressed during victories over Bradford City and Tottenham Hotspur.
Anthony Gordon and Joelinton latest
Anthony Gordon has been struggling with a hip problem in recent weeks and while it has been described as a “minor”, it was enough to make him miss the Brentford game and pull out of the England squad for World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.
Joelinton wasn’t called up to the Brazil squad but had he been, his involvement would have been in doubt after he was withdrawn in the first half at Brentford after taking a painful blow to his lower leg.
Howe is set to provide an update on the duo when he speaks to the media on Friday morning.
And what about Yoane Wissa and Will Osula?
The head coach will also be asked about Yoane Wissa and Will Osula, with their respective absences leaving Nick Woltemade as the club’s only fit senior striker.
Wissa joined the Magpies from Brentford for £55million on September 1 but is yet to make his debut after a week later he sustained a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) on international duty with DR Congo.
Since then, the 29-year-old’s return date has been pushed back on a couple of occasions but there is now a feeling that the striker is finally close to being back. When exactly is still unclear, as it could be anywhere from Man City this weekend to potentially the start of December.
Meanwhile, Osula is also expected back soon, with Howe recently revealing the striker’s ongoing ankle issue will keep him out “weeks, not any longer”.
Continue Reading