Newcastle United latest news: Eddie Howe has some big decisions to make when he names his starting XI for their Champions League clash against Qarabag tonight.
Newcastle United head into tonight’s game with a five-goal advantage over their Azerbaijani opponents.
A 6-1 triumph in Baku has all-but secured their place in the Champions League Round of 16, setting up a tie against either Barcelona or Chelsea in the next round. Despite having such a comfortable lead, Eddie Howe stressed on Monday in his pre-match press conference that he will balance the need to rotate his team with the desire to keep the momentum they have built with a number of good results on the road in recent times.
Howe has been boosted by the return of both Sven Botman and Yoane Wissa who were pictured in training on Monday ahead of their clash with Qarabag. Botman’s return is particularly timely with Malick Thiaw set to serve a one-match ban after picking up his third Champions League booking of the season out in Baku.
Here, we take a look at the Newcastle United starting XI that Howe could name for his side’s Champions League play-off second-leg clash against Qarabag at St James’ Park. Do you agree with our picks? Follow us on our social media channels and let us know your thoughts there.
Newcastle United v Qarabag predicted XI
Aaron Ramsdale
With the tie beyond doubt, Ramsdale may be handed an opportunity to start at St James’ Park. Nick Pope played the full 90 minutes in Baku but would have been disappointed to not have collected a clean sheet.
Jacob Murphy
Injuries and the need to rotate may mean Murphy is asked to play at right-back against Qarabag. It is a role he has adopted under Howe on a few occasions.
Sven Botman
Thiaw’s suspension means that Howe has very limited options in the centre of defence. Botman has returned to training and may also be returned straight into the starting XI.
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Dan Burn
Burn may wear the captain’s armband tonight and whilst he might be someone that Howe would ideally like to rotate, injuries elsewhere could limit his opportunity to do so.
Alex Murphy
Murphy has been used as a replacement for Lewis Hall late on in games on a number of occasions. This could be his chance to start a match in the black and white for the first time.
Jacob Ramsey
Ramsey didn’t start at the Etihad Stadium at the weekend and so could be in-line to return to the team against Qarabag.
Joe Willock
Willock may be given a chance to force himself into Howe’s thoughts tonight. His form has picked up dramatically of late.
Joelinton
Joelinton’s return to fitness has been a much welcome boost for Howe and the Magpies. The Brazilian has been used off the bench in their last two matches, but could step up his recovery tonight with a first start since January.
Will Osula
Osula has never started a Champions League match for Newcastle United. That could change tonight - although he may have to settle for a place in a slightly more unnatural right wing role, rather than through the middle.
Yoane Wissa
Wissa is another player that Howe could give minutes to in order to help him increase his fitness levels ahead of a busy run of fixtures. The DR Congo international scored on his first Champions League start for the club against PSV Eindhoven in January - but that was the last time he netted.
Harvey Barnes
Barnes was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet in Azerbaijan and will be desperate to do so tonight if given a chance to start by his manager.
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