Eddie Howe sends strong Sunderland message ahead of Newcastle United v Bayer Leverkusen
Eddie Howe has named his Newcastle United starting XI for tonight’s Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen.
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has named his strongest XI possible for tonight’s Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen.
The Magpies face Sunderland in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 on Sunday, leading to suggestions Howe would rest key players ahead of that game.
However, Howe has gone strong, as United eye a victory in Leverkusen that will all but guarantee progression in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
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Eddie Howe names strong possible Newcastle United XI v Bayer Leverkusen
Howe has named three changes from Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Burnley at St James’ Park with Lewis Hall, Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes replacing Fabian Schar, Joelinton, Joe Willock and Anthony Elanga.
Aaron Ramsdale continues in between the sticks behind a back four of Tino Livramento, Malick Thiaw, Dan Burn and Hall.
Joelinton and Tonali replace Ramsey and Willock in the middle of the park, with Bruno Guimaraes captaining Newcastle.
Barnes, Gordon and Nick Woltemade, who plays against German opposition for the first time since joining the Magpies for a club-record £69m from Stuttgart, start as the front three.
Newcastle United XI: Aaron Ramsdale, Lewis Hall, Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Malick Thiaw, Tino Livramento, Nick Woltemade, Dan Burn, Bruno Guimarães (c).
Substitutes: Max Thompson, Adam Harrison, Fabian Schar, Yoane Wissa, Anthony Elanga, Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock, Alex Murphy, Jacob Ramsey, Lewis Miley.
Eddie Howe already dropped team selection hint ahead of Sunderland derby
Howe was asked at his pre-match press conference if he’d pick a team against Leverkusen with Sunderland in mind, to which he replied: “No, not necessarily. I think we'll pick a team that I think will be strong tomorrow and hopefully strong on Sunday as well.
“We've had quite a few injuries, especially to our back line, which has been there for a few games now. And I think that's an area of concern for us. But we come here with a strong squad and we're ready for this week, which, as you say, two massive games for us. But we'll be ready for both.”