· 10 August 2025, 15:30
Eddie Howe had to field two separate Newcastle United teams in as many days as the Sela Weekender took place on Friday and Saturday.
While the Toon gaffer managed to put out two separate starting XIs, the benches were very similar on both days, loaded with youngsters with very little to no first-team experience.
Even the starting lineups were slightly unusual, with Matt Targett deployed as a central midfielder on Friday and then fellow full-back Harrison Ashby asked to do the same on Saturday.
Matt Targett made the most of his opportunity, getting involved at both ends of the pitch, scoring for the Magpies and conceding a penalty. Whereas on Saturday, Ashby had a much less impactful time, but was perhaps just as, if not more impressive, in his unusual role.
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Harrison Ashby was praised for his attitude by Eddie Howe
Speaking after the game, Eddie Howe praised Ashby for his attitude when playing in a role he's not covered before, but used the opportunity to highlight the squad's lack of depth.
"I think the biggest thing today is I liked his attitude. He attacked the position. He's very rarely played that position, although he has trained there for us. It's a sign of our squad depth... we ARE stretched in midfield."
With Joe Willock injured, and Sean Longstaff now with Leeds United, Newcastle's midfield is one more injury or suspension away from a crisis, with only Lewis Miley as a viable backup to Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.
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Newcastle are making late moves in the transfer window
While Targett and Ashby did fine in their roles for the pre-season friendlies, we aren't exactly itching to see them deployed in the midfield when it matters.
Newcastle know they need another midfielder, and options are being looked at. Lucas Paqueta rumours have started up again, but that does seem more fanciful than realistic.
First, Newcastle are working on Malick Thiaw and Yoane Wissa, who are both expected to make the move to Tyneside in the next week or so, and then we'll need another midfielder and a striker. Three weeks to go. We can salvage this!