Newcastle return to Premier League action against Crystal Palace on Sunday
Eddie Howe, manager of Newcastle United
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A mini mid-season break has been most welcome for Newcastle United. After two damaging defeats in the space of four days, a rest and a reset has come in handy.
While the mantra often trotted out by professional players is that it's good to have a swift opportunity to put things right, for Newcastle the opposite is the case. After a relentless run of fixtures came to a shuddering halt with seven goals shipped in the Camp Nou and then a derby disaster at the hands of Sunderland, the international break - and an extra week off due to the FA Cup quarter-finals - couldn't have come at a better time.
Not only has it allowed Eddie Howe to clear his head, but it has also allowed the medical department the chance to clear out their treatment room. Several players will hopefully be back in training this week ahead of Sunday's game against Crystal Palace.
That provides Howe with a huge boost - but also some decisions to make. For the first time in a long while, the Magpies manager may have an assortment of riches from which to choose from.
Bruno Guimaraes, Fabian Schar and Lewis Miley could all be back in contention for the trip to Selhurst Park, while there appeared to be no injuries picked up from the plethora of players on international duty. A clean bill of health, hopefully, for the start of a seven-game run-in and push for European qualification.
We take a look at the main selection dilemmas facing Howe as he prepares his squad for a return to Premier League action.
Midfield make-up
Newcastle's strength in recent years was one of their weaknesses in the last few games. Shorn of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes against Sunderland, they were outplayed and outfoxed by the likes of Granit Xhaka in the derby.
Guimaraes' return can't come quick enough. After eight weeks on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury, the skipper has been back in training and is pushing for a starting role against Palace. He could be joined by Sandro Tonali too, who shrugged off a hip injury to play in both of Italy's two World Cup playoff games.
But with Lewis Miley also hopefully back fit, Joelinton still such a vital presence, and the form of Jacob Ramsey over the last couple of months, Howe will have a huge selection headache on his hands. Throw in Joe Willock who has also impressed at times, and six into three doesn't go.
One thing looks certain - the end of the Nick Woltemade midfield experiment.
The central striker
Speaking of Woltemade, if he's not going to be deployed as a midfielder then will he get the nod as Newcastle's main striker? The 24-year-old hasn't scored a Premier League goal in 2026 but remains in Germany's plans, with boss Julien Nagelsmann extolling his virtues.
Howe has plumped for Anthony Gordon as his frontman in recent games and he did score against Sunderland last time out, but it still doesn't feel like a natural fit - albeit the England man offers pace, intensity and an ability to run in behind, which are attributes Woltemade is lacking.
Then there is Yoane Wissa, fresh from playing a role in DR Congo's World Cup qualification, and William Osula, scorer of the Premier League's March goal of the month. So again, plenty options - though it feels like Gordon is the one to dislodge.
Pope or Ramsdale
When Aaron Ramsdale regained the No 1 spot for the clash with Man United, it felt like he was set to be first choice until the season's end. That was only reinforced by a stunning performance in the win for the 10 men.
The last two games, however, have seen the old doubts about Ramsdale's capability resurface. While he wasn't particularly at fault for any of Barcelona's seven goals at the Nou Camp, he didn't provide any strong reassurances and then he flapped for Sunderland's equaliser.
Howe is a big admirer of Nick Pope and must decide whether to recall the 33-year-old for the rest of the season or stick with his loanee. Either way, Newcastle just need continuity and stability now.
Right-back decision
The announcement that Kieran Trippier will be leaving at the end of the season wasn't too much of a shock - apart from the timing. The 35-year-old has been an incredible servant and has shown at times this season he can still operate at the best level - that performance vs Man Utd will live long in the memory - while providing the leadership that Howe craves.
Tino Livramento, though, is now back fully fit. He got more minutes under his belt for England and Howe must be tempted to start him against Palace.
If he does, however, he will expect a better performance than Livramento gave on both his substitute appearances against Barca and Sunderland, where he looked laboured and unfocused.
A Fab proposition
Fabian Schar's absence has gone somewhat under the radar compared to the likes of Livramento and Guimaraes but his influence on the team remains strong. No Newcastle player has a better win percentage this season than the Swiss international.
Out of contract in the summer, this could be a final swansong for Schar. If he's fully fit after three months out with an ankle injury, he could come in for Malick Thiaw who has looked in need of a rest.
Sandro Tonali issue
Back to Tonali. The Italian schemer is arguably the one world-class player Newcastle possess on his day (Lewis Hall will one day be there) and the current speculation surrounding him is befitting of that moniker.
Howe has a dilemma on his hands in terms of whether the former Milan man's focus is right. If his mind is right, he should be one of the first names on the teamsheet but if he is distracted by transfer talk then he's not worth his place, certainly not with so many other options hopefully at Howe's disposal.
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