Eddie Howe reacts as Newcastle United star is ruled out of Southampton clash

Eddie Howe will make at least one change to his Newcastle United starting XI at Southampton.
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Newcastle United will be without Joelinton for Sunday’s Premier League clash at Southampton after the Brazilian picked up his fifth yellow card of the campaign during last weekend’s 4-0 win over Aston Villa at St James’ Park.

Joelinton scored the Magpies’ third against Villa when he reacted quickest to Callum Wilson’s shot that was parried by substitute goalkeeper Robin Olsen. The 26-year-old wheeled away in celebration for his first goal on home soil in nearly 12 months.

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Around five minutes later however, Joelinton was booked after bringing down Tyrone Mings and as a result will miss the visit to St Mary’s. Any player who is shown five cautions in the opening 19 Premier League games are forced to serve a one-match suspension.

Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton.  (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton.  (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)
Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton. (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)

Eddie Howe, reflecting on Joelinton’s performances this season, said: “I think Joe’s been fantastic again this season. He’s been a model of consistency. (I was) really pleased to see him score last week. I felt he needed that for himself and he was very pleased to get that goal.

“But again, I asked him to play in a different position and he did it selflessly for the team. As always with Joe, I think he’s got that steeliness and work effort and determination that the team needs. When we are playing at our best, I think he epitomises that.”

Who will replace Joelinton in the starting XI?

After naming an unchanged starting XI for wins against Tottenham Hotspur and Villa, Howe will be forced into at least one change on the South Coast.

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Joelinton, now a recognised central midfielder, has featured as a left forward in recent weeks, so that will likely see Howe make a straight swap, bringing in either Allan Saint-Maximin, Jacob Murphy or Ryan Fraser.

Saint-Maximin hasn’t started a Premier League match since August after picking up a hamstring injury but marked his return with a cameo appearance against Villa. Murphy started four consecutive games at the beginning of October, while Fraser hasn’t been in the starting XI since September.