Allan Saint-Maximin latest as Eddie Howe drops Newcastle United selection hint v Sheffield Wednesday

Eddie Howe is set to make changes to his Newcastle United starting XI.
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Eddie Howe is prepared to make changes to his Newcastle United starting line-up for the FA Cup third round clash at Sheffield Wednesday.

The Magpies held Premier League leaders Arsenal to a goalless draw on Tuesday night and won’t be mistaken for having one eye on the Carabao Cup quarter-final tie against Leicester City early next week.

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Rotation is expected for the visit to Hillsborough, though Howe is keen to “get the balance right” and extend United’s unbeaten run in all competitions to 16 matches.

“It’s going to be down to me this weekend to try and get a balance right of how we prepare for this game and what team we pick,” Howe told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

“We want to win the game, we want to go through. We have another cup game a couple of days later.

“There’s a lot to think about and I haven’t fully, as I sit here now, made my mind up on what time I will pick. I’m going to assess training today and make a decision.”

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One of the players in contention to start is Allan Saint-Maximin. The Frenchman has only started once since August after spending the early part of the season out with a hamstring issue.

“Yeah, possibly,” said Howe when asked about Saint-Maximin’s selection. “As I said, I haven’t picked the team for tomorrow yet. I want to see training and how the lads are physically today. We’ve got a good squad.

“Always going through my mind is giving people opportunities to play and stake their own claims to play regularly in the Premier League but I’ve got the get the balance right between making changes and trying to win the game.

“We don’t want to lose our rhythm or the fundamental principles of our performance. Let’s wait and see.”

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In goal, Martin Dubravka could be in line to start after being recalled from his loan spell at Manchester United. The Slovakian was named on the bench at the Emirates in midweek.

Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

“He looks fine in the very brief bits of training we’ve seen with Martin, because he hasn’t been back long,” Howe said. He’s done very well.”

In defence, both full-backs Javier Manquillo and Jamal Lewis haven’t had much game time this season, while club captain Jamaal Lascelles is eyeing a starting spot.

Howe said: “His professionalism strikes me every time I see Jamaal around the training ground or training pitch, he’s been first class.

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“He’s waiting, he’s ready and he’s worked incredibly hard. If given an opportunity, I’d backed him to play very well.”

In midfield, Elliot Anderson is looking for his first start since November. As well as Saint-Maximin, Jacob Murphy could go up against his former club and Chris Wood may lead the line.

Alexander Isak, back in full training, could also play a part, though Howe gave nothing away on Friday morning.