Newcastle United travel to Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday with some big selection decisions
Newcastle United's Anthony Elanga
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When the Newcastle United teamsheet dropped in the build-up to their game against Brentford, there were a number of eyebrows raised at the omission of Anthony Elanga.
The winger has struggled to find form since joining from Nottingham Forest in the summer for £55million, with a lack of goals and assists from his right-sided role.
However, an eye-catching cameo appearance in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Manchester City - which saw him net his first Newcastle goal with a great solo strike - followed on from some other encouraging performances of late from the 23-year-old.
Elanga's efforts from the bench in midweek at the Etihad, coupled with Anthony Gordon's hamstring issue, seemed to indicate that the winger would in line for a starting role against Brentford, only for Jacob Murphy to surprisingly get the nod instead.
It was all the more surprising given Eddie Howe's glowing praise of Elanga in his pre-match press conference. “He's done a load of good things that could have led to goals," the manager enthused. "But I was just really pleased that he got that reward of the goal. And it was a great goal as well.
“There was no sign of danger, really, when he received the ball. He darts inside two players and curls a brilliant left-footed finish. Delighted for him.
“Hopefully, that's the start of many. And a lift in his belief in himself and what he can contribute. There's no doubting his ability."
The decision then to start Murphy ahead of him was a strange one. Elanga didn't have to wait long to see action, however, as just like at the Etihad, Elanga was pressed into service at half-time following a poor opening 45 minutes from the starting XI. Murphy, in particular, had a tough afternoon, giving away possession and the being unlucky to concede a penalty.
Elanga's second-half performance against Brentford didn't match his cameo against City as he struggled to impact the game for long period, although he did have a hand in the penalty awarded to Newcastle, with his cross seeing Bruno Guimaraes fouled.
But with Gordon's ongoing injury and Murphy's lack of form, the Swedish international is now in line to start against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night as Howe looks for the right formula to get Newcastle back on track.
Elanga could start on the right in a front three which would see Barnes on the left and Nick Woltemade through the middle, after Yoane Wissa failed to take his change against his old club. Howe also has the option of starting William Osula who looked lively as a late substitute on Saturday night.
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