Newcastle have issues up front but Eddie Howe has no worries over his makeshift strikeforce
Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United
Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon
Eddie Howe insists he has no qualms over Anthony Gordon leading the line when Newcastle United take on Liverpool at St James' Park tomorrow evening.
On the face of it, he has little choice. While Will Osula remains an option from the bench, it would be a big a call to start the Demark U21 striker on Monday night.
Of course the situation would be more positive if Alexander Isak was available for seiection, but with the transfer stand-off showing no sign of coming to an end - other than when the window closes on September 1 - Newcastle must persevere without the Swede.
It means another central attacking role for Gordon, after an impressive display against Aston Villa last weekend, The England star was back to his energetic best, and looked set to give Howe's side the lead after being played through by Anthony Elanga, only to be fouled by Ezri Konsa.
It earned the Villa man a red card, but Newcastle then struggled to break down the low block and had to be content with a goalless draw.
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Question marks have already been asked about the Liverpool defence, especially when dealing with pace, after they conceded twice to Bournemouth in a 4-2 win last weekend, while they also lost the Community Shield to Crystal Palace on penalties, after drawing 2-2 at Wembley.
While Howe would love to have Isak available, he is confident Gordon can cause enough problems for Arne Slot's side, having regularly featured as a central striker previously.
"He’s done it enough to do the job really well for the team," Howe said of his No 10. "I have no issue playing him there, both as a starter and a substitute.
"He plays differently to other strikers, but that can be a positive. He’s got devastating pace, a really good work ethic, and he’s scored goals.
"I think he played really well last week in lots of different phases of his game."
Newcastle are expected to field the same side which started at Villa Park last weekend, which means a home debut for Elanga on the right flank.
Jacob Ramsey and Malick Thiaw are also looking to make their first appearances for United, while Aaron Ramsdale is set to continue on the bench with Nick Pope starting the campaign as first-choice goalkeeper.