Eddie Howe's side are in Spain for tonight's huge Champions League last-16 second leg against Barcelona in the Nou Camp
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali arrive at Barcelona
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali arrive at Barcelona(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)
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Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe is expected to make changes to his starting line-up for tonight's Champions League tie with Barcelona at the Nou Camp.
The Magpies recorded an impressive 1-0 win over Chelsea on Saturday, but Howe is likely to again shuffle his pack as they look to pull off what would be a memorable win in Spain. With the tie delicately balanced at 1-1, Sandro Tonali could return to the side after missing out through illness at Stamford Bridge, with Dan Burn and Joelinton also ready to step back into the side.
Midfielders Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley miss out through injury, although the captain has travelled to Barcelona with the squad. Howe has some big calls to make when naming his side, especially on the right flank. Tino Livramento started at right-back at Chelsea but Kieran Trippier could come back in if the head coach decides it's a risk to start two games in such a short space after three months out.
Jacob Murphy captained the side last weekend, but could find himself back on the bench if Anthony Elanga is restored to the side. With so many decisions to make, here are the starting XIs of our NUFC writers.
Lee Ryder
The key to this game for me is using pace to hurt Barcelona on the break because the home side will control possession.
It is about what Newcastle do with the ball when they are afforded a counter attack or two. The big call to make is at right-back.
Whether Howe opts for Tino Livramento or Kieran Trippier remains to be seen, but as far as experience is concerned I'd go with the ex-England man. The other dilemma is who starts on the left hand side of attack, but if Sandro Tonali is passed fit I'd go with Joe Willock there and set up in a similar fashion to PSG away when the European champions were held 1-1.
My NUFC XI: Ramsdale, Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall, Ramsey, Tonali, Joelinton, Willock, Elanga, Gordon
Sean McCormick
For the first time in a while Eddie Howe has some genuine decisions to make when naming his strongest available starting XI.
Tino Livramento's return to the side was timely at the weekend but it may be a lot to ask for him to start another game in such quick succession after making his first start in over two months in the win over Chelsea.
Therefore I'd bring Kieran Trippier back into the side at right-back and I would also bring Dan Burn in for Sven Botman. Burn locked down Robert Lewandowski in the first leg and rarely lets Newcastle down in big games.
Joe Willock was excellent against Chelsea and was excellent against PSG earlier this season away from home. Therefore, he has a genuine case to start in Barcelona but I just don't see a way you can take any of Jacob Ramsey, Sandro Tonali or Joelinton out of the starting XI.
Anthony Elanga's two best performances for the club have come against Barcelona and there is hope he can have similar success for a third time this season.
Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle's goal in the first leg and is the Magpies' principal goal threat alongside Anthony Gordon whose return to the starting XI at Chelsea made a huge difference and could be the key between success and failure in Catalonia.
My NUFC XI: Ramsdale; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Ramsey, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Barnes; Gordon
Stuart Jamieson
I'm sure Eddie Howe's tempted to go with a back five in this one, as the four were excellent against Chelsea and you really can't leave Dan Burn out. However, I feel that leaves Newcastle a little short in midfield, so Burn comes in for the unlucky Botman.
Sandro Tonali and Joelinton will be hugely important, and Jacob Ramsey has been superb of late, so that trio will be vital if United are to make it to the quarter-finals.
Up front, Anthony Elanga has enjoyed facing Barca so comes in for Jacob Murphy, but it has to be Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes in the central and left-wing roles.
My NUFC XI: Ramsdale, Livramento, Thiaw, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Ramsey, Joelinton, Elanga, Barnes, Gordon.
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