The Magpies exited the FA Cup at the fifth round stage on Saturday night after losing 3-1 at home to Manchester City, who also knocked them out of the Carabao Cup.
Howe admits that achieving something memorable this campaign hinges on the Champions League, with his side currently struggling in the Premier League, sitting 12th and nine points behind the top five with nine matches left to play.
Gordon and Joelinton have been carrying knocks but both trained on Monday. Jacob Murphy was also spotted in the session after being unable to play at the weekend with a neck issue.
Here’s how Newcastle United are predicted to line-up against the Catalan giants:
Aaron Ramsdale has started the last two games but Howe does tend to trust Pope in the so-called bigger games.
1. GK: Nick Pope (in for Aaron Ramsdale)
Aaron Ramsdale has started the last two games but Howe does tend to trust Pope in the so-called bigger games. | Getty Images
Tino Livramento is back from injury but Howe played down the prospect of him starting tonight. That’ll mean a 11th consecutive start for 35-year-old Trippier.
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
Tino Livramento is back from injury but Howe played down the prospect of him starting tonight. That’ll mean a 11th consecutive start for 35-year-old Trippier. | Getty Images
It was the Barcelona game in September where Thiaw came on for Fabian Schar and hasn’t looked back. Hasn’t started every game he’s been available since.
3. CB: Malick Thiaw
It was the Barcelona game in September where Thiaw came on for Fabian Schar and hasn’t looked back. Hasn’t started every game he’s been available since. | Getty Images
Sven Botman was preferred ahead of Burn for the Man City defeat, but the Blyth-born is expected to return to the XI tonight.
4. CB: Dan Burn (in for Sven Botman)
Sven Botman was preferred ahead of Burn for the Man City defeat, but the Blyth-born is expected to return to the XI tonight. | Getty Images