Eddie Howe’s response when asked if Jamaal Lascelles will return to the Newcastle United starting XI at West Ham
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Newcastle United have captain Jamaal Lascelles back for the trip to West Han United following his absence last weekend.
Lascelles missed the Magpies’ 1-0 victory over Aston Villa after suffering from illness in the days leading up to Sunday’s game.
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Hide AdDan Burn, a £13million deadline day signing from Brighton and Hove Albion, came into the line-up and marked his debut with the man of the match award.
Speaking about the Blyth-born defender’s performance, head coach Eddie Howe said: “He (Burn) was very calm, composed, used the ball really well.
“He put out a lot of fires for us with some very good defensive positioning. I thought together with Fabian (Schar) I thought they played very well.”
Bring back Lascelles or stick with Burn and Schar?
Indeed, Burn’s near-flawless display has left Howe with a real selection dilemma.
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Hide AdDoes he stick with the Burn and Fabian Schar partnership? Or does he restore his to the skipper starting XI in place of either player?
A change to five at the back could even be an option - meaning all three play. But after three consecutive wins, a system tweak is perhaps unlikely.
It’s a tough call Howe is more than happy to make.
‘You want difficult decision’ - Howe on selection dilemmas
“I’ll have to make a decision that’s best for the team,” Howe told reporters at his Hammers pre-match press conference.
“These are the selection headaches I want. I’ve got no issue making difficult decisions. You want a squad that is pushing and fighting each other.
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Hide Ad“Whoever plays knows that if they don’t perform, they have a very good player waiting for their opportunity to get back in.
“That’s the culture you want to create. We haven’t had enough of those tough decisions during my short time as manager here purely because the squad has been stretched with injuries.
“The squad is in a better place. Players are playing well and there is real competition to get in that starting XI.”