Anthony Gordon returns as Eddie Howe names two changes to his Newcastle United starting XI for tonight’s Champions League opener against Barcelona.
Gordon is currently serving a three-match ban in the Premier League following his red card for a tackle on Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk but is eligible to feature in the Champions League.
And the 24-year-old comes in for club-record signing Nick Woltemade in a decision that will come as a surprise to some supporters after the German scored on his Premier League debut in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
In the other change, Anthony Elanga comes in for Jacob Murphy on the right wing. The defence and midfielder remains unchanged from the Wolves victory.
When asked about the possibility of rotating Woltemade, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said: “Yeah, we're trying to take everything into consideration when we're picking the teams at the moment. You have to have one eye on the future in terms of future games to make sure that whatever team you pick is balanced.
“The priority is always in the next game, but we're, of course, looking ahead to who we have available with future games in mind. Team selections aren't always straightforward, I think, in a lot of goes into them.”
Here are Newcastle United’s starting XI and substitutes in full:
9. CM: Joelinton
And so does his Brazilian compatriot. His aggression and physicality is huge in so-called big games. | Getty Images
10. RW: Anthony Elanga
Starts for the first time since Liverpool. | Getty Images
11. LW: Harvey Barnes
Keeps his place on the left wing, despite Anthony Gordon's return. | AFP via Getty Images
12. ST: Anthony Gordon
Recalled and replaces Nick Woltemade as the striker. | Getty Images