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:
5. CB: Dan Burn
Started at left-back versus Arsenal but we all know that isn’t his position. | AFP via Getty Images
6. LWB: Lewis Hall (in for Tino Livramento)
Hall was left out of the squad versus Arsenal due to fatigue but is expected to return in Belgium with Livramento sidelined with a knee injury. | Getty Images
7. CM: Sandro Tonali
NUFC need their big players on the Champions League stage and Tonali is certainly one of them. | Getty Images
8. CM: Bruno Guimaraes
Similar to Tonali, NUFC need their captain to find his best form. | Getty Images