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:
9. RW: Anthony Elanga (in for Joelinton)
Was electric down the right in the Champions League opener against Barcelona. | Getty Images
10. LW: Anthony Gordon
It’s been a stop-start season for Gordon so far, and he’s looked far from his best. Needs a performance. | Getty Images
11. ST: Nick Woltemade
Has fed off scraps since joining for a club-record £69m from Stuttgart but still has two goals in three starts. Clinical. | Getty Images