Newcastle United double selection boost - bold starting XI v Athletic Club
Newcastle United starting XI for their Champions League clash against Athletic Bilbao at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe has named two changes to his Newcastle United starting XI for tonight’s Champions League tie against Athletic Bilbao.
Newcastle can move up to fourth in the Champions League group phase table with a victory, having recorded back-to-back wins against Union Saint-Gilloise and Benfica.
The top eight advance automatically to the last 16, while clubs ranked ninth to 24th take part in a seeded play-off round.
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But it is their Premier League form, particularly away from home, that has let United down this campaign. Howe’s side come into this evening looking to bounce back from the dismal 3-1 defeat to West Ham United on Sunday.
Newcastle United starting XI v Athletic Bilbao confirmed
Howe said in his pre-match press conference that he’d either give the players a chance to redeem themselves or ring the changes, and the head coach has gone with the former.
The only change see Kieran Trippier come in for Emil Krafth and Harvey Barnes get the nod ahead of Jacob Murphy on the right-hand side of attack.
Bruno Guimaraes has been passed fit to start after missing Tuesday’s outdoor training session through illness, while Trippier returns being unwell for the West Ham defeat.
Newcastle United: Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Malick Thiaw, Nick Woltemade, Dan Burn, Bruno Guimaraes (c)
Subs not used: Max Thompson, Aaron Ramsdale, Lewis Hall, Fabian Schär, Emil Krafth, William Osula, Anthony Elanga, Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock, Alex Murphy, Jacob Ramsey, Lewis Miley
Athletic Bilbao injury problems v Newcastle United
Athletic, come into the game sitting 25th in the Champions League table. The La Liga side lost their opening two fixtures to Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund before coming from 1-0 down to beat Qarabag 3-1 in the last game.
Speaking ahead of the game, Howe said: “Yeah, it's a really important game for us because we know what we have ahead in the Champions League. But that's not to say that this game is going to be easy either. I think we are back at home, we love the name here, as we say many times.
“Athletic Club will provide stiff opposition, very good defensive team in terms of their defensive numbers are very, very strong. Off the ball, I think they've delivered this year some really strong performances in particular. So I think from that side, our attacking game is going to have to be at its very best.
“And of course, Champions League nights here are always special.”
Ernesto Valverde’s side are without a host of key players, including star winger Nico Williams.
“I've met the manager previously and I think he's an outstanding tactician,” Howe added. £But yeah, the Williams brothers are outstanding players so we're aware they've got a few injury problems but we still expect a very, very strong squad, a very strong opponent, a very good manager and a very good way of playing.
“I've watched them a lot and I really admire their structure and how they play. So, it's the Champions League, it's against top-class opposition and we know it's going to be very difficult.”