Newcastle United are hoping to kickstart their Champions League campaign with a win against Belgian champions Royale Union Saint-Gilloise this evening (kick-off 5:45pm).
The Magpies lost 2-1 to one of the tournament’s favourites, Barcelona, a fortnight ago and now head into one of their easiest fixtures on paper with Union SG also in Pot 4 when the league phase draw was made.
In the three games since the Barcelona game, United head coach Eddie Howe has heavily rotated his starting XI. Changes are again expected tonight but the question is, how many?
Newcastle face Union SG on the back of a devastating last minute defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.
Asked about team selection, Howe said: “We'll make a decision after training today on how all the players look physically.
“Arsenal was another really physical game for us, tough game mentally of course, but physically it was a big output game for us. So we'll try and make the right decisions in terms of team selection to make sure everyone's fresh.”
Here’s how Newcastle United are predicted to line-up:
1. GK: Nick Pope
A misclearance cost NUFC at the end of the Arsenal game but his overall performance will give him confidence in retaining his place. | Getty Images
2. RWB: Kieran Trippier (in for Jacob Murphy)
Hasn’t started for NUFC since their defeat to Barcelona less than a fortnight ago. | Getty Images
3. CB: Malick Thiaw
Has been excellent since coming into the side. Was arguably NUFC’s best performer against Arsenal. | Getty Images
4. CB: Sven Botman
Botman has started the last three games and been largely faultless. | Getty Images