Newcastle United have some selection headaches ahead of the Champions League play-off against Qarabag
Joelinton during the open training session in preparation for the UEFA Champions League Match against Qarabag
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Champions League progress is the next aim for Newcastle United as they continue their hectic run of fixtures. Having disposed of Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Saturday night, it's now Azerbaijan for the Magpies as the travels continue.
The first leg of their play-off against Qarabag sees Eddie Howe weighing up whether to ring the changes again. The Magpies manager made several switches at Villa Park, handing starts to the likes of Aaron Ramsdale and William Osula, as he tries to manage the workload of his squad.
The trio of Lewis Miley, Sven Botman and Yoane Wissa haven't travelled to Baku as they continue to struggle with injuries, meaning Howe's options are restricted. There are just 17 senior players on the trip, including three goalkeepers.
Howe will look to come up with the winning formula against Qarabag but kept his cards close to his chest in his pre-match press conference - bar two giveaways. We asked our writers what starting XI they would select.
Lee Ryder
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe vowed to "go strong" in Baku with his line-up against Qarabag last night.
In an amusing moment, he was asked what his team was by a local journalist but revealed only Kieran Trippier and Sandro Tonali, before admitting he didn't have much choice but to play them.
I think Newcastle can put out a strong side too and should have too much for Qarabag. I'd opt for Nick Pope back in goal, Trippier at right-back and play Dan Burn and Malick Thiaw at centre-backs.
Lewis Hall would be the best option at left-back and a midfield trio of Tonali, Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock fits the bill. Anthony Gordon, Anthony Elanga and Nick Woltemade would be my preferred trio in attack.
My Newcastle XI: Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Ramsey, Willock, Gordon, Elanga, Woltemade
Ross Gregory
Despite Joelinton's return to the Newcastle squad for this evening's clash in Baku, it feels like a straightforward starting XI decision for Eddie Howe. The fact that Sven Botman and Lewis Miley haven't travelled is a blow, but if anything it makes Howe's decision easier.
Newcastle only have four fit senior defenders so it's a flat back four rather than the three centre-halves we've seen recently. The only question for me remains around Nick Woltemade. He did well in a deeper No 8 or No 10 role on Saturday and could replicate it against Qarabag, but I'd be more tempted to go with a conventional 4-3-3 to try and overpower Qarabag, and I think Howe will too.
Joelinton comes into consideration - and will be champing at the bit - but with Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock in such good form he can be eased back in late in the game.
The two Anthonys - Gordon and Elanga - were rested on Saturday so should start, with Gordon as the central striker. Harvey Barnes goes again, meaning Woltemade, Will Osula and Jacob Murphy drop to the bench alongside Joelinton and Aaron Ramsdale. Even with injuries, it is a strong squad.
My Newcastle XI: Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Ramsey, Willock, Elanga, Barnes, Gordon
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